A/N: This is another Long Authors note from me but this time is it necessary in order to read the story and understand it (you may get it without reading it, but it's better to know where it's coming from). There is this really great, kind of old movie called "Kiss Me Goodbye". It stars Sally Field, James Caan and Jeff Bridges. Basically, a woman has decided to get remarried and move on with her life after years of being a widow, when suddenly the ghost of her late husband appears and proceeds to wreak havoc on her life as she decides she wants both of them. Her fiancée doesn't believe her husband is back, but decides to "play along". I won't give away the ending. It's a very funny, heartwarming movie. See it if you can. BTW, I believe Neil Simon wrote it.

So…I don't own any Law and Order CI, or the characters, and not "Kiss Me Goodbye" either, no disrespect meant…but I'm borrowing the name.

Kiss Me Goodbye

Bobby and Alex had been spending a lot of time together since the Kevin Mulrooney case was over. And much of that time was spent off duty. Bobby was caring and considerate and helped Alex deal with the pain and the loss of self-confidence she felt when all had been revealed. He kept her busy while they went to movies, museums and even an occasional dinner. But much to Alex's dismay (and she was dismayed at her dismay) he remained ever the perfect gentleman.

For a long time now, longer than she would admit to herself, she found herself wondering what it would be like to be Bobby's partner in more than one way. She supposed that the feeling had been there for years, but one disaster after another seemed to overtake their lives, and they were never in synch for very long before something wedged it's way between them. But lately….well, lately Alex thought it might be time to consider the unconsiderable. And broaching it to Bobby.

But once again, something wedged it's way between them. Or rather someone.

//

Late one night, after Bobby had dropped her off, she sighed at her own cowardice. She took off her work clothes, and debated what to wear the next day. They were going to interview a suspect and his fiancée, going undercover as a couple and Alex thought she would take that opportunity to wear something a little revealing. Something that Bobby would have a hard time taking his eyes off of. She knew just what he liked. She went to her closet and pulled out a short denim skirt and a revealing white blouse. As she was pulling the clothes out her closet she heard a voice she hadn't heard in over ten years.

"Really? You're going with that Lexi? Aren't you a little old to be wearing a mini skirt?"

She turned around and dropped her clothes on the floor.

"Joe?"

"In the flesh. Well, sort of". He smirked

"No. Nonononono." She shook her head and turned back to her closet. She took a deep breath and turned around.

"Still here babe."

"Joe?" She sqeaked

"You look pale babe. Like you've seen a ghost. Haha. Get it?" He sat down on the bed and looked at her.

"Joe? What….what are you doing here?" She moved closer but stayed an arms length from him. She moved her eyes up and down over his body. There he was. White t-shirt, brown leather jacket, jeans and the watch she bought for him for their first anniversary. Same face. Rugged and handsome as ever. Small dimples that showed themselves only when a full smile lit his face. He looked the same. The same as the last time she saw him. He hadn't aged. But then, he couldn't have because he was...he was....

"Aren't you happy to see me? It's been a while".

She shook her head again. "Ten years."

"That long? Huh. Doesn't seem that long."

"Well it has" she snapped back. "Joe. What are you doing here"? She held up her hands and shook her head. "Wait. Wait. I must be dreaming. I'm sitting here in my bedroom talking to my dead husband. Haha. I wonder what Bobby would have to say about that?"

"You look beautiful Lexi. And I've missed you. Haven't you missed me?"

Alex looked at her husband and felt her eyes begin to tear up. "You know I have." She whispered.

//

When her alarm rang the next morning Alex found herself alone on her bed surrounded by old photos. She sat up and tentatively spoke.

"Joe?" she whispered. No one answered.

"Joe?" A little louder, still no response.

She rubbed her eyes. "It was a dream. Of course it was." She thought. She went over the night before after Bobby had dropped her off but couldn't remember what had prompted her to take out the old pictures. But clearly she had and she figured they were behind her dream.

She stretched and went to shower. After the shower she put on her makeup and got dressed, deciding on a more conservative skirt than previously she had previously chosen, but put a green blouse with it. Bobby loved her in green, she knew. After quickly straightening her bed she walked into the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee.

"Still like the strong stuff?" He asked.

She turned to face him and dropped the mug, shattering it all over the floor.

TBC