Disclaimer: After 'End Game' I gladly leave the CI team in the very capable hands of Dick Wolf – for now. Keeping an eye on you!!! Be a Chris Carter and not a Jerry Bruckheimer please!

Rating: K

Spoilers: End Game

Category: BA Friendship or just BA – safe for either hehe.

Author: Traci

Summary: Post ep for 'End Game'. Alex is there for Bobby when it all crashes down.

Author Note: If VDO doesn't get an Emmy for that performance then the emmy voters are stupider than I gave them credit for!!

I Know

Alex Eames knew pain. Alex Eames knew how to handle pain. Alex Eames had been through it all when her husband had been shot dead on the cold streets of New York in the line of duty. Alex Eames knew pain. What she did not know was how to ease that pain of losing someone close for her partner and that brought about a new pain – the pain of watching someone she cared about suffer and not being able to do anything about it.

"You don't have to stay," the raw, yet soft voice whispered in the dark.

"I know," she gently replied.

"I'm glad you did," he muttered.

A small smile grew across her lips. "I know."

Robert Goren had known nothing but pain. Robert Goren knew pain was part of living. Robert Goren never had the loving family to comfort him when he hurt – a father to go to baseball games with nor a mother who smiled. Robert Goren had known nothing but pain. What he did not know was how to accept the warm embrace of a friend reaching out to him. He did not understand how not to feel pain.

"What if he was my father?"

"What if he was?" She reached for his hand. "What would that change?"

"Everything?" He squeezed her hand. "Nothing?"

Fighting her own tears, she replied, "Biology and genetics can't change the man you are today."

Alex Eames was a fighter. Alex Eames never let her gender or height prevent her from doing and getting what she wanted. Alex Eames could take down a giant if she needed too and everyone knew it thus the reason the department partnered her with the unconventional Robert Goren. Alex Eames had prepared herself for the fight of her life against a chauvinistic, over-eager know-it-all. Alex Eames had not been prepared to find herself understanding him and needing to comfort him.

"I can cook something if you're hungry," he offered, still holding her hand.

"I am a little hungry. You must be too. Let's just order take-out."

"I'll make this up to you."

She let the tears fall as she moved closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder. "I'm here because I care so no making up for anything," she assured him.

Robert Goren had always had to fight for everything. Robert Goren had to fight for respect. Robert Goren had to fight to keep his job every year until seven years earlier when he was introduced to his new partner whom he was sure would ask for a transfer within days. Robert Goren knew he would not have to fight anymore when she stayed.

"I never would have made it this far without you, Alex."

"I never would have deserted you."

"Thank you. Thank you for knowing me better than I know myself and knowing when to leave me alone and knowing when to not back away."

She straightened up a bit and kissed his cheek before curling up against him on 'his' side of the couch. "Thank you for trusting me."

Alex Eames and Robert Goren each knew pain yet together they also knew love.

The End