Claudette found him crying in his car.
They don't like to mention that.
He solved the case, and they all applauded him, and Aceveda even mentioned something about a raise, but he left the Barn, and he got into his car, and, suddenly...
It doesn't do anything.
Claudette had come out to congratulate him.
She saw him, climbed into the passenger seat of his car, and sat there, waiting for him to wipe his eyes and smile weakly at her, color rushing into his cheeks at this revelation of weakness.
She leaned in, cupped his cheek, and kissed him softly.
This The Shield story was written by Kate Bolin. If you liked it, there's plenty more at http://www.dymphna.net/fanfic/. And you can feedback her at dymphna@dymphna.net.