They did have a bit of an audience, didn't they? Elliot had been so caught up in the moment that his emotions had completely drowned out everything going on in the background. He self-consciously wiped at his eyes again, hoping they weren't too red-rimmed. "I think they already got part of a show, anyway."
Underneath his embarrassment, Elliot actually felt relieved by the attention. Fights and tearful reunions had been a common occurrence back at Carnegie Hall, and although they had garnered small audiences, the attention didn't linger very long. Here, the people were still watching, as if fights or reunions didn't happen often enough. The latter was somewhat sad.
Her hand was cool on his face, but it wasn't an unwelcome feeling. Not in the least. Summoned by Rae's words, a smile curved his lips. Elliot reached between them and tugged his jacket closed around her, to keep the warmth in.
"I am happy," he assured her. "The happiest I've been since this whole mess started." He paused, then his voice filled with laughter. "You want the grin, don't you? That Eli grin you once told me you liked seeing? Okay, here it comes." It wasn't forced, either. The grin. Although he was worried for Rae, Elliot hadn't lied; he truly was happy to be here with David.
Rae looked away from him suddenly, and Elliot's brow rose. Had it not been an appropriate moment to tease her about giving her the grin? He'd felt her thumb sliding along his cheek, as if urging the strong smile lines to appear, but now she looked as if he'd disappointed her.
She went along with the subject change, though, trying to act as though whatever he'd done (or hadn't done) hadn't happened. Elliot's smile dimmed, but he was no less happy for being here. "If only bartering were this easy with everyone else. Exchange a hug for a bottle of water. Simple transaction." The joke felt awkward, somehow.