Loyalty was a very mediocre episode. The plot had more holes than a slice of Swiss cheese. But it was so worth it for those last five minutes. The best part about them, is they can be interpreted a million different ways and provide the foundation for a million different stories. Here is another one……

Contains spoilers for Loyalty

After Alexandra Eames ended her two minute phone conversation with Chief Moran, she realized her shaking had stopped. She'd been shaking all day, since she woke up that morning. She knew today she would fire her partner of nine years, her best friend. The only man she could say with any honesty, she loved. Alex also knew she wasn't staying on as Captain. She wouldn't play the brass's games. There was no way, after using her to do their dirty work, she continue to be a pawn in their organization.

What she wasn't so sure about, was whether or not she'd leave the force entirely. The thought weighed heavily on her mind for days. It was unfathomable for her to even consider not working with Bobby anymore. This fact did not surprise her. What surprised her was the reason why.

She loved him.

And everyone seemed aware of this fact, but Alex. Declan, Ross, Deakins, Maas, even Nichols, the look of shock and worry washing over his normally placid expression during her tirade about "betraying her partner". So out of character, it was for Alexandra Eames to blow her top, to "lose it" emotionally. Yet the subject of Robert Goren seemed to incite such reactions.

Moran tried his damndest to talk Alex out of it, the resignation. At the same time, she didn't think he sounded all that surprised. Maybe he was aware she loved Bobby too. It would figure, she thought.

Second or third shift would likely be a better time for Alex to gather what few workplace possessions she had. Right now she just wanted to make a clean getaway.

Right now she just wanted to find Bobby. She needed him. The pressure of his embrace still fresh on her skin. She just wasn't sure what to tell him.

Or how…..

*****************

By the time Alex made her way through major case and out of the lobby, Bobby was long gone. No surprise really, she figured he got the hell out of dodge as fast as he could. She couldn't even imagine what he was thinking. He tried to save face with her. He tried to smooth over her betrayal. She couldn't comprehend what he'd say when he found out she quit. And he would find out. As few friends as Bobby had left on the force, the NYPD was like a gossipy sewing circle. If Alex didn't tell him herself, she suspected he'd know by midnight at the latest.

**************

Alex couldn't bring herself to call Bobby. She just needed her house, and some quiet. She needed pause from the static of the day. She turned off her phone and poured herself a drink, immersing herself in the bathtub. She could hear the frequent vibration of her buzzing phone, receiving calls and going to voicemail, over and over and over.

Midnight…Christ, it wasn't even quarter after six yet. Alex thought.

Alex couldn't even be certain that the calls were from Bobby. Unlike him, she was well liked on the force. A whole host of comrades could have been ringing in with their ardent disbelief at her latest career move. Pouring her second vodka for the evening, she resolved not to even bother checking the source of the buzzing. Flipping on her stereo, Alex vowed to pass out on her couch, watery Stoli and ice cubes her only sleeping companion.

Loving you forever

Is what I need

Let me be the one you come running to

I'll never be untrue

Let's Let's stay together

Loving you whether, whether

Times are good or bad, happy or sad.

"Oh for crying out loud!" Alex exclaimed, as she flopped on her couch. Even the radio was planning on reminding her of Bobby. The dulcet tones of Mr. Al Green wailing about faith and sticking together was doing nothing to help Alex enter forgetful oblivion. Just as she was about to get up and silence Mr. Green she heard a pounding on her front door. Not just a knock or a tap, but a pounding. The kind police give before they break down a door.

There was only one person it could be. And he would likely break down the door if she didn't answer it pronto.

"Eames! Let me in!" Bobby's baritone boomed from behind Alex's door and she wondered how long it would be before her neighbors called the cops.

She threw open the door and was greeted by a wild eyed Bobby. Still wearing the same blue shirt she last saw him in five hours prior.

"What Bobby…" Alex sounded more abrupt than she meant too. Maybe it was the Stoli. She walked away from the doorway leaving him standing there.

"Tell me you didn't quit, Alex." Bobby pleaded.

"I could, but I'd be lying…." She sang, swaying her way back into her kitchen for a refill on the vodka.

Bobby blazed a trail behind her. "Why?!" His expression bordering on maniacal.

She faced him. "Bobby…. It was time. I had enough." She refilled her glass and took a small burning sip. "I didn't belong there anymore. We didn't belong there anymore. It wasn't a place for us."

"Oh for Christ's sake Alex…." Bobby started to rub his head and pace. "It's my job to be the martyr, not yours!" He was shouting and Alex was more than a little unnerved by his reaction.

"You don't leave for me Alex! This is your chance, I'm gone, you're Captain. It's the way it was always supposed to be…"

"Don't…." Alex interrupted sharply. "Don't tell me what is supposed to be for me."

Alex walked to the couch and sat down only to have Bobby follow her and continue his pacing in front of her. His eyes wide with desperation.

She glanced up at him trying to find the words to make him understand, to calm him down.

"I'm forty five years old Bobby. I'm single, I don't have a huge family and even fewer friends. What the hell am I doing? "

"That's what I'd like to know." Bobby replied.

Now Alex was up and pacing around. Bobby stood still and watched.

He noticed a picture of Alex and her late husband, Joe on the fireplace mantle. Alex was staring at it too. She picked it up, holding it close to her face, like she was scanning for some previously unseen detail. Then she spoke to the picture.

"I swore I'd never fall in love with another cop…."

Yes kids, this one will have multiple chapters (at least 2) and hopefully some smut. Shoutout to the peeps on the USS Relationship, you guys are "the best".