Disclaimer: I have no claim to L&O CI

Summary: Bobby has changed and Eames wants the old Bobby back but in what way?

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Let's Pretend You're Still a Human Being

Eames POV

Several weeks had gone by since Bobby was framed for his brother's murder. Several weeks and several cases. Per usual, Ross asked me, no scratch that, told me to keep an eye on my Partner. I did but I always do, that's what Partners do, keep an eye on each other. My problem was … this wasn't my Partner. Oh … it was Bobby Goren but there was something missing … compassion. I've worked with this man for eight years and in those eight years, I've seen him hold a grieving wife's … newly widowed woman's hand. Hold on tight to a kidnapped and raped fifteen year old girl. Place his arm around a young boy because all he wanted to do was play baseball and not be a boy genius … I guess he could identify with him. He doesn't do any of that any more. He comes off as the most impersonal human being on the planet to our vics … impersonal and arrogant. When it's time to clock out, I get a curt "good night Eames" if I'm lucky and off he goes into the sunset. The thing is, just before all this happened, we were getting our groove back. I know he wasn't mad at me … I was trying to clear him … he was mad at the world. I want my Bobby back and it wasn't beneath me to try anything to get him back … I had to formulate a plan.

I arrive at work and there he is, early as usual, reading a forensics science book. He's not even trying to get back in Dr. Rodgers good graces … he said he didn't care … the old Bobby would have cared. He reads this stuff for fun. I sit across from him and he barely lifts a brow. My cell rings … I've enlisted my sister Liz in part A of my plan.

"Eames."

"I don't know what you want me to say so, blah blah blah blah blah!"

"Dad! What do you mean he's not feeling well … not feeling well how?"

"Lex, don't tell me that you got Dad involved in this too?"

"Yes … I know his Doctor."

"Bobby and Alex sitting in a tree k-i-s-s-i-n-g! You're in love with him … I knew it!"

"Damn it Liz! I should have been informed!"

"I can't help it if you're a nit wit and can't see what's been right in front of you Detective … for years … I might add!"

I can see that Bobby was listening … maybe there was hope. He had a lot of respect for my Father and the feeling was mutual … that's why my Father agreed to go along with my campaign to get my Partner … my compassionate Partner back. I myself, had to face the fact that what Liz said could be true … yes, I loved him … in love … shit … yes … in love.

I covered my face and willed some tears to fall … easy for Liz … tough for Alex. They came and soon would come my Oscar speech. I was so proud. Alex Eames, crying in the squad room. I even had the body shake thing going on … damn I'm good. I had my head down but knew that Bobby was taking in everything. All of the sudden, I felt a tap on my hand, I looked up and he handed me his hanky. Good first step … part A of my plan complete.

"Liz … I have to go, call me with updates."

"Oh no … you call me with updates."

I hung up with Liz and went straight to the ladies room. As soon as I shut the door, I smiled … looking in the mirror I saw the devil in me … not the real devil … the she devil. I checked the stalls and called my Dad.

"Yeah honey."

"It's your turn." Part B of my plan.

"I'm on it. Stay there now … I'll put you on three way calling … mute your phone Lex."

I crack the door and can see our desks … my phone rings … Bobby looks around and answers my extension. Got him!

"Major Case, Goren."

"Oh Bobby … John Eames … sorry to bother you. I thought I had Lexie's phone."

"No … no bother Sir … she's not at her desk. How are you feeling Mr. Eames?"

"With my hands son."

I see Bobby smile … haven't seen that in a long while.

"Should I go look for her?"

"No, no that's okay … I have something to tell her and I … I guess this is a sign not to."

"Is there anything I can do for you Sir?"

"Yes as a matter of fact there is. I know I don't have to ask but … take care of my Alex … be good to her … watch out for her … she's special you know?"

"I know she is Sir and I always do."

"Okay then … don't tell her I called … she'll just worry … okay?"

"Yes Sir."

Okay, so now we put a doubt in Bobby's mind … he's thinking that my Dad is dying of Cancer or something. I'll get best actress and John Eames will get best actor. I bet that's a first in history and two cops to boot!

I walk back to my desk and hand Bobby his hanky.

"Thanks."

"Are you okay now Eames?"

"Fine … do we have a case yet?"

"Yeah but I can go if you need to take care of something."

"No Bobby … one of us has to act like a compassionate human being towards the vics."

Part C of my plan … I think I need to point things out to him … maybe I could have skipped A and B … we'll see. I may just have to hit him over the head with a club like the cave men did … who knows.

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"For today Bobby, let's pretend that you're still a human being … one that cares what people think … one that has feelings, one that knows compassion, fear, love, and understanding. Today Bobby … when we're questioning a victim or their family, let's pretend that the family is mine and you actually care. Can you do that for me."

He looked stricken … that was a hit below the belt … I already admitted that nothing was beneath me.

"I … I can do that for you."

"Good … because lately you've been a son-of-a-bitch and I don't think I could take that today … not today!"

I hope he never finds out what a conniving little Bitch I've become … I just want my Bobby back!"

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Thank you for reading. I wrote this in response to USA playing with us once again ... what will Bobby be like when we finally see him again? This was one of my thoughts.