A/N: So this song is from the BUFFY musical episode ONCE MORE WITH FEELING. It's actually a solo song, but it made more sense to me to break it up for this story. The bold underline is Alex and the bold italic is Bobby. Please R&R!
"One last question. What is your opinion of your partner's mental state, Detective?" Eames bit her lip and averted her glance from the Chief of D's eyes. "Detective?" he repeated.
Eames took a deep breath and said softly and slowly, "He's been through a lot recently, sir."
The Chief raised his eyebrows and then shook his head slightly. "I understand that, Detective. But that's not what I asked."
"If you're asking if he's crazy…" I'm wondering the same thing. "…he's not."
The Chief of D's sighed, figuring he wouldn't get anything else out of her. He had heard about how close they were. He knew he would have to keep an eye on the two of them. He stood and Eames took this as her cue to stand also. "Detective Alexandra Eames, you have received an official reprimand on your jacket. You will be docked two weeks salary and put on desk duty for the next three weeks. You are dismissed."
Eames nodded and left.
You're not
ready
For the world outside
You keep pretending,
but you
just can't hide
I know I said that I'd
Be standing by your
side
But I…
Robert Goren sat on a bench outside the Chief of D's office. His hand was over his mouth, and his mind was racing as usual.
Why the hell did I get her involved? I should've done this alone. It wasn't her problem to solve.
He sat up as the door clicked open, and Eames came out. She saw Bobby and gave a look of surprise. "Bobby… what're you doing here?"
Bobby stood and cleared his throat. "I… I w-wanted t-to… to be here. I figured… it was the... the least I could do."
Your path's
unbeaten,
And it's all uphill
And you can meet it,
But you
never will
And I'm the reason that you're standing still
But
I…
Eames smiled, but sighed deeply. "Thanks, Bobby."
"So… h-how bad is it?" he asked timidly.
After a moment, Eames said, "Official reprimand. Two weeks pay docked and three weeks of desk duty."
Bobby looked down at his feet. "I…"
Eames shook her head. "No, Bobby…"
I wish I
could say
The right words
To lead you through this land
Wish
I could play the father
And take you by the hand
Bobby stood. "I… I shouldn't have involved you. I don't know what I was thinking…"
Wish I could stay
here
But now I understand
I'm standing in the way.
Eames shook her head. "Bobby, you could've been killed. I'm… just glad you didn't do this alone."
Bobby shrugged. "I should have."
The cries
around you,
You don't hear at all
'Cause you know I'm
here
To take that call
So you just lie there when
You
should be standing tall
But I…
"Damn it, Bobby, don't talk like that!" Eames snapped. "Stop playing the tragic hero!" She saw Bobby flinch, and she immediately felt horrible.
I wish I
could
Lay your arms down
And let you rest at last
Wish I
could
Slay your demons
But now that time has passed
She took a deep breath and said softly, "I'm sorry." A pause passed between them. "Look… I know this past year has been hard for you. But you have to stop acting like it's you against the world."
She grabbed his hand and noted he wouldn't face her. "Especially if I'm part of the world against you." When Bobby didn't respond, she sighed. "Well, I should go. Can I give you a ride somewhere?" Bobby shook his head. "All right. I'll call you later, Bobby." With that she let go of his hand and headed down the hallway.
Bobby put his hands in his pockets, suddenly aware of the missing badge that was usually always by his side.
Wish I could stay
here
You're stalwart, standing fast
But I'm
Standing
in the way
I'm just standing
In the way…