Chapter Text
“Knock, knock.”
Sharon looked up to see Brenda hovering in the doorway to her office, offering an earnest smile.
Sharon smiled, “come in, I wasn't expecting to see you today.”
“I don't like to be too predictable.” Brenda teased as she walked into the office. She stepped up and set the small gift bag on Sharon's blotter. “This is for you.”
“You didn't have to get me anything.” Sharon looked at the gift bag l with the cats in Santa hats.
“You left the Christmas party so early,” Brenda continued ahead, “I didn't get to give it to you.”
“I know. I'm sorry.” Sharon bit the inside of her lip. “I wasn't sure if you wanted me to spend a lot of time around the Major Crimes team. I don't know how much you want them to know and it was hard not being able to hold your hand. Plus, you've only been separated from Fritz for a couple of months.”
“I've only been separated from Fritz publicly for a couple months.” Brenda corrected. “I wasn't planning on holding a press conference but I don't want to pretend we're not together.”
“At work?”
“Are you having second thoughts about us?” Brenda furrowed her brow.
“No, not at all!” Sharon insisted, “I've just… well, I've never been out at work before.”
“Do you want to open your present?” Brenda hinted, pushing the little bag ever closer.
Sharon smiled and reached into the bag to pull out the delicate tea cup.
“I know we talked about not doing gifts but I saw it and thought of you, so, I wanted to…”
Sharon looked at the tea cup with the hand painted ballet dancers and gold handle and rim in a matching saucer. Her eyes filled with tears and a sob welled up in Sharon's chest.
Brenda looked stricken. “I'm… sorry?”
Sharon set the tea cup gently on its saucer and covered her face with her hands.
“I… don't know what's happening…” Brenda blinked.
“It's so sweet.” Sharon wiped at her eyes self-consciously.
Brenda smiled, “so you like it?”
“I love it.”