Disclaimer: Don't own. Don't sue.

A/N: This is it, folks. We have reached our end.

Epilogue: 6 Months Later

Carver and Eames stood observing a lackluster Goren's interrogation. "Detective Eames, have you noticed Detective Goren has been a little... off lately?"

"He's been working through some issues with his girlfriend. I believe you know her," Eames smiled.

"That's right. Miss Dimitrio. Quite a lady, as I recall."

"I'm sure he would say the same. He's trying to decide whether they can make it together. They both really want to have a relationship, but..."
"She hasn't even recovered from the physical wounds, let alone the emotional?"

"Something like that."

*

Eames had this conversation on the brain later that day, as she sat at her desk for a much needed break in the day's events. From capture to confession on the Bobby Goren fast track, she thought. What a ride. Although she did have to agree with Carver; Goren's performance both personally and professionally had been something less than enthusiastic. He was still brilliant, but a little bit of the old Goren spark had gone out of him. Eames knew better than to ask, but as he settled in across from her with his lunch, she couldn't help it.

"How's Emily?"

Goren drew a deep breath and didn't meet her eyes. "She's... she's okay. She still goes to her sister's grave every day. I just can't convince her it's not her fault."
"I think I know the feeling," Eames said, sarcastic but gentle. He smiled wryly.

"Yeah. I never did tell you what I found out, did I?"
"You really haven't told me much of anything lately, Bobby."

"Emily's sister, you know, Elaine-"
"The one I shot. Yeah, I know her, Bobby!"

"I'm sorry. I... I had almost forgotten about that. Anyway, nobody ever got to hear her confession, right? Not an explanation at any rate. Emily told me what she thinks, and I tend to agree with it. Elaine was not a poor woman, her husband had family money, and the Dimitrios themselves are quite well-off. She probably started a fling with Damon Sanders, 'slumming' if you will. According to Emily, Elaine favored any activity with a substantial degree of risk involved. Not unlike her sister," he added, as if to himself.

"So, what? Damon demanded money or he'd tell and ruin her little world?"
"Basically. Not too complicated."
"There's a change for us. Major Case Squad, my foot. We should be called the Contrived Criminals Squad." This commented elicited a laugh from Goren.

"An unusual sound from this area of the room lately," Deakins remarked as he walked over. "Is my dynamic duo ready for action?"

"We got a case?"

"Yeah, and you better get on it. Big stakes with this one."
"Sounds like exactly what I need," Goren said, standing up from his chair. Eames smiled at Deakins. It might be a long road, but he'd be back to full steam.

*

"Emily? I'm home," Goren came quietly into the apartment, whispering in case she was asleep. She wasn't, and came running down the hall to greet him.

"I was getting worried," she said, pulling his binder from his hands and tossing it aside. She wrapped her arms around him.

"We had a tough one today," he murmured, reciprocating her hug.

"You're a tough guy. Speaking of which, I got an interesting phone call today from a concerned friend."

"Eames?"
"Actually, no. Although I'm sure she's concerned, too. This mystery caller wanted to know if you've been happy lately. I, of course, answered in the affirmative. But then I started thinking, you really haven't been. You've been kind of empty, and I've just been looking the other way."
"Yes, you have."

"Well, you jackass, why don't you tell me when you have a problem? It's entirely possible I can help you. Unless, that is, I AM the problem…."

Goren pulled away from her. "No, you're not the problem. And, yes, of course you're the problem. You don't tell me your problems, either. And I can feel them - I can tell you have so many things to say to me, and you NEVER SAY THEM!" He exploded.

"No, you're right. Because when I do, you make them your problems and then I feel guilty. And there isn't a thing in this world more important to me than your happiness, Bobby."

He was quiet for several minutes. Frustrated, Emily walked back to the bedroom, leaving him in the hallway alone. She got into bed trying to think of ways to make him understand. She was nearly asleep when she felt him slide into bed next to her. He had his back to her, and she couldn't really stop herself from reaching out to run her hand over it. She felt him tense, then relax. She took the opportunity to snuggle up next to him. She put her head between his shoulder blades and whispered, almost so he couldn't hear her, "I love you, Bobby." He turned to her and as they kissed, she felt his resolve melt away.

"I can't stay mad at you," he whispered. She smiled.

"I know."

"And I love you, too."
"I know."

"This relationship isn't going to be easy, Emily. I mean, despite how we feel for each other. We've got a lot of hurt between us."

"I know."

"But we have weathered it this far, haven't we? We're pretty strong, if you think about it."

"I know."

"We should definitely get married."

"I know."

A/N: Sorry to end on such a sappy romantic note. But, damn it, Bobby deserves some lovin'! Hope you enjoyed, and thank you all for reading!