Lightweight

Chapter 4

Analise bit her lower lip as she saw her cousin bristled, her face turning red–from anger, she knew. Her eyes caught McClaren's teasing eyes, as well as his smirk, but kept quiet as he was already in the doghouse with her cousin. She called Bobby's name in a warning–more like motherly scolding–as she finished making the sandwiches, her voice soft and strong. She placed one on a plate and placed it in front of McClaren, who smiled in thanks.

"Bobby."

Abby raised an eyebrow as she saw Bobby sighed in resign. Though he still looked like he would do whatever the hell he wanted to do–which Abby knew he would–yet he stopped whatever he wanted to do or say when it came to her cousin. Odd, very odd; this isn't the man she has heard from the station or from her brother's and father. Could it be due to her cousin, Abby wondered? If so, what has the world come to? Men like Bobby Mercer do not follow rules, let alone fall in love. And, yet, the way he looked at her cousin told her that there was something there–not just on Analise's side but on Bobby's as well. It may not be love–yet, she dreaded–but there was something.

Wrapping one of the sandwiches in a napkin, Analise smiled to McClaren. He really was a handsome man and whatever lies are mixed up with him Analise knew that he was innocent. It was a gut feeling that never let her down and she hoped that her cousin would see all the pieces to this puzzle.

"It was nice to meet you, Shane. I hope you'll be found innocent."

McClaren smiled in return, giving a curt nod. "So do I. Thanks for the sandwich."

With a nod of her own, Analise walked over to her cousin and hugged her, mindful of the sandwich in hand. Despite all the anger and aggravation she still loved her cousin. They were close since they were the youngest and only females in the family of seven; and Analise didn't want to lose that. Especially since her and Bobby's 'relationship' is all a sham and would be found out sooner or later.

And Analise hoped it would be the latter.

Abby merely sighed, hugging her cousin just as tightly. Even with all she has seen between this…man and her cousin that something wasn't right. Her detective instincts were on high alert, telling her that she needed to keep a very close eye on them, not because her cousin will get hurt–because she will if she stays with Mercer. Abby would bet her bottom dollar that she and her brother's would be there to pick up the pieces. But something was just…off about this whole thing between them.

She just didn't trust it.

"Love you, text me when you get home."

Analise nods, pulling back and scolding at her cousin, who was glaring at Bobby. She didn't want to make Bobby feel like he had to do something because she had opened her mouth to something she only wished and dreamed to be true. Besides, she knew that no matter how much they tried to get to know Bobby her family will never accept him or their 'relationship'.

"My mom wants you over for dinner tomorrow night–a family dinner."

Analise could feel Bobby tensing even more behind her. Yeah, there was no way in hell she was going to bring Bobby to a house full of cops. Not when they all would like to beat the crap out of him and bury him somewhere he would never be found again. Of course she knew that Bobby would probably get himself into trouble since he loved to antagonize not just cops but anyone he came into contact.

Sometimes it was annoying.

"I never agreed to that dinner, Abby, besides we have something to do tomorrow and Saturday night. When you speak with Aunt Sheila let her know I still haven't changed my mind."

With that said Analise walked out, passing the sandwich into Bobby's hands since she lost her appetite now. He followed after her, not even bidding farewell to the cop and possible rat. He knew when Analise was upset and Bobby needed to be there for her as much as possible.

McClaren smirked, having seen the concern look on Bobby's face before going after Analise. If he didn't know any better Bobby Mercer looked almost as though he was in love with the younger woman. Which seemed impossible since a man like Bobby does not fall in love…right? But who couldn't help but love the younger woman, there was something about her that pulled at you.

"Your cousin's nice." McClaren told Abby with a small smile. "She loves you and your family despite the problems you're all having." he then frowned when Abby turned to him, "How'd she hook up with Bobby Mercer, though?"

Abby sighed, closing her door. The last thing she wanted to do was talk about that asshole. Yes, he was a jerk–almost everyone had to deal with him in the precinct and got a few scrapes and bruises out of it–but she knew that to figure out the relationship she needed to talk to someone about it. Abby knew that it was a bad idea to speak with her family since they–like her–wanted to kill the bastard instead.

Plus Shane might possibly be a rat and she didn't need to put her life story out there.

"It's a long story," Abby started with a shake of her head, hoping he would drop it.

"I got time." McClaren teased, grinning as he bit into the sandwich.

Abby smiled at McClaren, nodding. She needed to talk this out, to figure out what the hell was going on with her cousin and Mercer.

"All right," she breathed out.

The ride back to the apartment was quiet, Bobby concerned for Analise. Family was important, despite all the flaws, and he hated to see this woman he deeply cared for at odds with her family he knew she loved to the heart. Just like how he cared for his brother's and mother; of how it drove him to revenge his mother–as did the anger that helped out the most in revenge.

"Ana," Bobby started softly.

"Don't Bobby, I just want to shower and go to bed."

She told him tiredly–both physical and mentally. The whole day, actually, has just been tiring and opened her eyes a bit more of the world her family. Of course they could be even more over protective but the judging…the judging was what really broke her and drained her. Bobby parked behind Analise SUV and turned to her after cutting off the engine.

"Family's important, Ana; and if me pretending to be with you is going to put a rift with your family, we can stop."

Analise turned to Bobby and took hold of his face. Him saying that–even though he loved every minute of antagonizing her family of cops–made her feelings for him became more and more deeper. Oh, how she wanted this to last forever but knew he would leave again. She would have to be careful in not falling in love with Bobby and to guard her heart like a state penitentiary or she was going to break. Break in a way that she will never be whole again.

"You mean too much to me, Bobby. Whether pretend or not my family will have to get over it–and they will after some time."

Smiling ruefully Bobby kissed her forehead; he desperately wanted to comfort her. He saw the pain in her eyes and it shown on her beautiful face. Placing his forehead against hers he caressed her cheekbones with his thumbs, having the urge to kiss her small lips that seemed to pout. He saw something else that flashed through her eyes but it was gone all too quickly for him to not able to decipher it. Sighing Bobby gives into the urge and placed a light kiss on her lips, slowly pulling away.

"Come on, it's late and you have work in the morning."

Nodding Analise grabs her bag from the floor and got out. As they walked into the building Bobby wrapped an arm around her shoulders. He couldn't really help not touch her at any moment when they were in the same room. It not only gave him the comfort of having her in his arms but also gave Analise the comfort she desperately needed at the moment.

What the hell has happened to him? Never in his life had a woman affected him this much. Sure, his ma was the only other person who was able to look pass his gruff exterior and gained his trust–even after all the grief he put her through that had to do with being angry at the world and being a teenager. Though Analise's shy and innocence's could have had something to do with it.

"So tell me, what happened today?"

Analise sighed, leaning her head on to his shoulder. Bobby pulled her even closer as they started up the stairs. He kept his ears opened since he knew that despite the silence in the building it was still an unsafe neighborhood. Hell, that's all he's even lived in and was all too familiar with. He wondered why Analise never moved to a better part of the neighborhood, like where her cousin lived.

"I'm sure you know how cops love to trash talk about you Mercer's." she smirked, Bobby chuckling. "Well it was my aunt that wanted us to break it off–she's usually the peace maker of the family when I'm not there, so it was a surprise to everyone how strongly she dislikes you. Then with them saying about you being in jail for two years, how you're a criminal I snapped. I told them why you went to jail, why you're such a badass, but most of all how an incredible sweet man you truly are."

She sighed tiredly, Bobby stopping them in front of the door, and turning her to face him. Bobby saw all the exhaustion on her face come forth and all he wanted to do was take her away from all the drama that was draining her…or lock them in the bedroom for twenty-four hours or more. A thought passed through his mind that both startled and surprised him that it came so naturally and so quickly that he put it to the back of his mind as fast as he could.

What would Analise say if he asked her to move with him to Detroit, Michigan?

"I guess I never figured my family to be so judgmental towards someone they don't know except by how many times a person's been in jail."

"They're cops, Five-O; what'd you except?" Bobby teased.

Analise laughed, leaning back against the door. "Yea, I guess you're right."

"Of course I am. Look I'm sure all the stories your family heard were as truthful as the day I did it." Bobby said both teasingly and serious, "What person wouldn't want their daughter to be with a dangerous criminal?"

Analise smiled, shaking her head. "First of, you're not a dangerous criminal. Second, if it was your daughter I bet you'll just scare the poor bastard."

"Damn right," Bobby replied quickly with no hesitation.

Analise laughed only to become a short cry when the door opened. Bobby was quick to grab her wrists and pull her towards him, slipping his arms around her, his hands pressing to the small of her back. They ignored the person that opened the door, looking into each other's eyes as they wondered what to do next as their emotions went up and down like a roller coaster. Because of Bobby pulling her towards him their faces were mere inches from each other, Analise knowing if she went on her tiptoes her lips would touch his, no problem. Analise's eyes snapped to his lips at that thought, which slowly grinned knowingly. Blushing, Analise cleared her throat, taking a step back and away from the older man.

"I still smell like sweat, so I'm just gonna shower and go to bed. Night,"

She moved passed an amused Jack, who was shaking his head at Bobby. Rolling his eyes the older Mercer moved past his brother and to the fridge. He desperately wanted a beer. His throat had suddenly gone dry when Analise flicked her light green eyes down to his lips–oh, and how he wanted to kiss her there and then. But he needed to cool it down. Despite the obvious attraction between them, they were getting re-acquainted again.

Bobby snorted, taking a long pull of his beer. That was bullshit and he knew it. He was utterly afraid to leave her behind again–because he was going to leave to go back to Detroit, that was his home!–and hurt her even more then the first time. Analise wouldn't go to Detroit, she has a life here in Chicago and a family she loves. And he wasn't sure he can leave his house or his brother's–not again, at least–to live with her. He was too damn confused, it's not like he was going to marry the girl!

Suddenly flashes of a little girl the exact replica of Analise laughing in his arms had Bobby choking on his beer. What the hell was wrong with him? He waved at his younger brother, ignoring what he was saying as he tried to gather his thoughts. Never in a million years–or just the years since he discovered women–has he thought about marriage or even envisioned a child replica of the woman he was attracted to. He needs to stop drinking! Bobby set his beer down, staring at it.

Shit, he needed to keep on drinking and stay drunk! Damn, why couldn't he just fuck her and get it over with?...Because she's special, dumbass! Analise isn't like the other women you've been with and she needs to have all the things sex gives. Especially if she's still a virgin!

"Damn!" Bobby muttered to himself, leaning his elbows on the counter and putting his head in his hands. "Damn!" he muttered one last time.

What was he going to do now? This wasn't him. He was the type to just get the girl, have sex with them, and then walk away. Analise had become his friend, but he distant himself because of the strong lust he had after her…which would be–he finally realized–was the reason of never taking the time to call her. But now these new feelings he had had just made things complicated, especially when he was to leave Sunday morning. He didn't want to leave without her anymore.

Damn, he was screwed.

A/N: Come on you guys, who doesn't love 4 Brothers and Against the Wall? And to see them together must be something! Please review!