Title: Baby It's Cold Outside
Author: Très Méchante
Characters/Pairing: Det. Bobby Goren, Det. Alex Eames, Capt. Jimmy Deakens
Summary: The temperature isn't the only thing cold when one is outside. Angst.
Rating: Teen
Spoilers: Everything up to end of season 6 is fair game, but no specific details.
Word Count: 300 words (3 unconnected drabbles)
Warning: None; well, angst. Definitely angst.
Disclaimer: Well, the story is mine, but the characters, most assuredly, are not. If they were, they wouldn't be in these situations.
Archive: Only with permission.
Inspired by title: "Baby It's Cold Outside" by Dean Martin
Det. Bobby Goren
Until this moment, he had not fully understood the severity of his exile.
She's polite – his partner is always the consummate professional – but the distance between them remains. The job was, at best, a shaky bridge across the chasm between them.
He watched her pull on her coat and fish out soft leather gloves from the pockets. The invitation for coffee and conversation died before it could leave his lips.
"See you Monday morning," she said, never quite meeting his gaze. She did not look back as she strode to the elevator.
He finally understood what his actions had accomplished.
Det. Alex Eames
Her hands were messy from peeling vegetables, a reflection of her messy emotions.
The women had gathered in the kitchen while the men gathered around the television. Stories of pregnancy, birth and midnight feedings were traded as the women tried to outdo each other.
Alex smiled and nodded and remained silent. Some things were simply never spoken of outside the immediate family.
A well-meaning family friend said Alex's turn would come. "One day you'll know the joy of carrying a baby of your own, and then you'll have stories to share, too."
Alex chopped the celery with deliberate, careful force.
Capt. Jimmy Deakins
"Hey, Max, Calvin. It's been awhile." Jimmy greeted the two men who'd stood by him during The Incident.
Max smiled back at him. "Jimmy, my man. Good to see you."
Jimmy pointed to the coffee shop. "Have you guys got time for a coffee?"
Max nodded, but Calvin leaned in to whisper to Max, his words clearly audible.
"Are you trying to commit career suicide? What if someone sees us?"
Max cleared his throat nervously. "Actually, we've got somewhere to be. You know how it is."
Jimmy felt something inside him shatter. "Sure. Some other time," he said, walking away.
-end-