chapter 3
7 years earlier.
"Come on Javi! Don't make me shoot you!"
He laughed.
"Admit it girl, you'd be way lost without me!"
She rolled her eyes.
"Oh yeah. That's it. Definitely."
He stuck out his tongue at the young detective.
"Oh how very mature Detective Esposito." she stuck hers out at him too.
"Way to be so easily influenced! Besides after the day I've had, I deserve to be immature."
She smiled.
"You're right. Come on; let's go for a late dinner. My treat."
"Twist my arm chika." he really wasn't in the mood, but knew it was pointless to argue with her.
Kate Beckett was not the woman he wanted to fight with. She was strong, determined and independent. She could definitely take care of herself. But that certainly didn't mean he couldn't tag along for the ride.
When they arrived at Remey's, they sat in their usual booth. After ordering he sat back and listened to her tell him all about the crazy day she had. Her father was up to his usual antics and she had to wait for him to get up out of his drunken stupor. Javier could tell that she was tired. Small bags had begun to form under her eyes. She yawned.
"Sorry." She amended as she ran her hands over her face.
"You really should sleep." He smiled gently.
Her eyes met his and she shook her head.
"I can't Javi."
He watched her intently.
"Do you still have them?" he asked.
She sighed.
"Only sometimes. They aren't as bad as they used to be." she tried to fake a smile.
The waitress arrived with their orders; they ate in silence.
After he finished he grabbed her hand.
"Go home. We don't have a case right now and I'm pretty sure a body won't drop for a while. Plus you won't be of any use to me or anyone if you're comatose!"
"I don't seem to be much help to anyone these days." her voice trailed off.
He rubbed her hand.
"That's bull and you know it. Now please, for the love of God, get to sleep!"
He looked at his watch, 11:30. Damn it was late. After dropping her off at her apartment he drove back to his, reflecting on the day. He never would have admitted it but he needed sleep to. He opened the door, threw his keys on the bedside table and conked out on his bed.
