Carisi had just closed his laptop for the night, letting out a small exhale. He looked around the precinct, seeing the different decorations put up for the new year and the lack of people. It will be, soon enough, five years since being here at SVU, and this particular year had been a long one— big cases, losing fellow cops, more persistent thoughts about pursuing a career in law. A lot had happened and he was surely looking forward to the new year.

Well, he would be spending yet another year alone. The team had their own plans. His sisters and mother had gone off to Italy for the holidays. If only he could go. His job was demanding most of the time. So, he’d be in his apartment for this year— maybe order a pizza and watch the television count down for the next year. He didn’t mind so much, but he thought it’d be nice to spend some time with someone else for a change. He thought he deserved that.

And after all that thinking, that is when you came out the locker room, ready to go home. You approached your desk, grabbing your belongings when you happened to glance at Carisi for a moment. He seemed lost in his own thoughts, staring into the distance.

“Hey, it’s late. Everyone else is gone. Don’t you have plans?” You asked, a small smile on your face, assuming he’d be busy just like everyone else.

Your voice brought him back to reality. He turned to look at you, putting a small smile on his face to mask his overthinking. “Ah, no. It’s just.. me and my couch this year. Family’s out of the country, so..” He shrugged slightly, trying to play off how he really felt.

You listened to his words, your smile fading away slowly. You couldn’t help but feel a little bad. He didn’t deserve to be alone on New Year’s Eve. Not Carisi, no way. The both of you were good friends, so.. why not switch it up this year, invite him over? Besides, you didn’t have plans either.