A Day to Forget (or Remember?!) 1/2
Author: Kait
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Cold Case and these characters belong to Jerry Bruckheimer.
Summary: Lilly has a bad day, but to LS fans...it's a pretty darn good one ;)
The bad day started in the most classic way. Lilly opened her eyes and suddenly had the most unnatural feeling. She'd woken up on her own, and it was light out...something was wrong. Lilly rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and rolled over to look at her bedside clock. Eight-ten! Her eyes widened. How could this have happened!? She had twenty minutes to get to work! Lilly began punching at the buttons on her alarm clock, and realized that the clock was set for 7:15PM. She groaned.
Lilly jumped out of bed and got ready as fast as she could. She didn't bother to shower, she just got dressed, put her hair up a clip, threw her makeup in her briefcase and headed for the door. She tripped over Olivia on her way, and that reminded her she had to feed the cats. Lilly set down her bag and went to the kitchen. She dumped a whole can of cat food in a large cereal bowl and set it on the floor.
Be good, you two. Lilly murmured as she went out the door. Both cats were already greedily eating the cat food as she left.
CCCCC
Hey...sorry I'm late. Lilly said, going over to her locker. She stuffed her purse inside and then shrugged off her coat, hanging it up.
What happened? Scotty called over to her.
Set my alarm for PM instead of AM. Lilly said sourly, closing her locker.
There was a chuckle from Scotty. Been there, done that.
Lilly went over to she and her partner's desks. So what's up? she asked him.
Not much...you didn't miss anything. Scotty said. I was just doing some paperwork. Boss says he might have something for us, but not yet.
Lilly nodded, and Scotty went on. But hey...you gotta see something else. You're gonna like this, Lil...Vera got some rats for his kid. Scotty said.
Lilly said curiously, setting her briefcase down on her desk.
Yeah...pet rats. Come and see. Scotty said. He got up from his desk and motioned for Lilly to come with him.
Hey Vera, where are those rats? Scotty asked their co-worker. You gotta show em to Lil.They're in the lunch room. Vera said. I'll show you, Lilly. You'll like them.Rats, huh. Lilly said again. This I gotta see...Yeah...pet rats. They're tame. Make good pets! Vera said. He lead the other two detectives to the staff room.
Stillman was there, pouring himself a cup of coffee. You still playing show-and-tell with the vermin, Vera? he asked.
Lilly wants to see them! Vera said.
She's an animal lover...she'll like Scotty said.
So they're for your son? Lilly asked Vera.
Yeah...for his birthday. His other rat died awhile back...he still misses the thing. We thought we'd get him another...and I got two, so they'd be buddies! Vera said, sounding pleased with himself. The wife's got the cage all set up at home...I was just supposed to pick up the little critters. I got cute ones, don't you think? Vera opened the top of the cardboard box to show Lilly.
Lilly breathed. They're adorable! So tiny! One rat was black and white and the other beige and white. They both had pink feet and little pointy noses. But...don't you think they'll chew out of the box? Lilly asked worriedly, peering at the two little creatures huddled in the corner.
Nah...why would they? It's a nice big box, and they got food in there... Vera shrugged. Anyway, I'm leaving early today. They won't be in there that long.I guess. Lilly said doubtfully. Can I hold one? she asked.
Vera said, handing her the box.
Lilly set it down on the couch and reached in, picking up one tiny rat. She cupped the baby rat in her hands and smiled as it peered through her fingers, its little nose twitching. It's so cute! she said. He, or she? Vera said. I asked for boys...the wife didn't want to run the risk of babies.
Stillman shrugged, coffee cup in hand. You could always give em to Lil! he suggested as he walked out the door.
Her cats'd eat Scotty said. What do you think, Lil?
Lilly had the other rat out of the box now. Yeah, they probably would, but...they're so cute! Lilly said, letting the rat cling to her hand and crawl around it.
Scotty watched his partner play with the little rat, and he couldn't help smiling at her. God, what was she doing in Homicide? She should've been a vet or something.
Lilly held the complacent rat in her palm, and she was stroking it's tiny head with her finger. They're adorable, but...I guess we should get to work. Lilly said reluctantly. She carefully set the rat back in the box. Thanks, Vera.No problem! Vera said. I'm here til two or so...you can come back and see them anytime.I might. Lilly said. Scotty was smiling at her, and he lead the way out the staff room.
So what'd you think? Scotty asked her.
Lilly shook her head. They were so cute, Scotty... she said. So tiny and cute...So, you want a rat now? Scotty asked her teasingly.
Lilly admitted. But the feeling will pass. I'm glad I saw them, though.I knew you'd like them. Scotty said.
The two detectives got to work.
CCCCC
Lilly and Scotty spent about forty-five minutes at their desks doing paperwork, and Lilly found that she was yawning.
You may have slept in, but it looks like you could've used some more sleep. Scotty observed.
Lilly nodded, her hand over her mouth. I know, I don't know what's wrong... I should go grab a coffee she said.
Make that two. Scotty said, picking up his cup as well. They both got up and headed for the staff room.
I bet you just wanna play with the rats some more. Scotty teased her.
Lilly smiled. I'll take a look at them. she allowed.
The two entered the staff room, and Lilly went to the cupboard to grab a ceramic mug. Scotty poured the coffee for both of them, and Lilly was just stirring in a packet of sugar when Scotty spoke.
her partner said, pointing.
Lilly turned around in time to see the black and white rat scurry behind a chair. Uh, oh. she said. I knew they'd get out of that box! She shook her head and went to kneel at one side of the chair by the wall. Okay, get on the other side and scare it my way. she suggested.
Yeah, okay. Scotty said, going around to the other side of the chair. He pushed it back from wall a little then reached in, shooing the rat towards Lilly. Lilly cupped the rat in her hands. I got it! she exclaimed. Get me the box!
Scotty grabbed the box, and Lilly deposited the creature inside. Just call us the rat squad! Scotty said proudly.
We still got one more. Lilly said. And we need a new box!I'll grab one. Scotty said, giving Lilly the current box. He left the room and Lilly waited, keeping her hand over the chewed-out corner. Her eyes scanned the room for the second rat, but she didn't see anything.
A minute later Scotty returned holding a box like the ones they stored their case files in. They'll probably chew outta this, too, but it'll do for now. he said.
Lilly agreed, placing the caught rat in the new box. Hey Scotty...I don't see the other rat. What if it got out of the room? she asked worriedly. It could probably get under the door...we'd never find it then...Don't think about that yet, Lil...let's just look for it here first. Scotty said.
The two detectives got down on their hands and knees and began crawling around looking for the rat. Lilly peeked under the couch and gasped. she said.
Scotty looked under the couch beside her. The beige rat was under the couch against the wall. Well, we found it. Only thing is...how do we get it out? he mused.
Oh, god...the fridge is beside the couch! Lilly said, sounding distressed. We can't let it get behind there!Yeah, there's no way we'd get it out, then. Scotty said grimly. He and Lilly looked at each other from their position on the floor. All right. Scotty said after a second. We can stick something between the couch and the fridge and block it. he said decidedly.
Good idea! Lilly said, relieved. She was having horrible thoughts about what could happen to the rat behind the fridge.
Scotty got up and took the lid from the new rat box. He carefully slid it in between the couch and the fridge, and Lilly sighed in relief. Okay, now we just gotta get the couch out a bit. Scotty said. He and Lilly went to the other end of the couch, and Scotty pulled it back from the wall a little. Weighs about five hundred pounds. he muttered, giving it another yank. Lilly dropped to her knees below him and wiggled in behind the couch.
I can't pull it any further, it's blocked by the fridge! Scotty said.
Okay, it should be okay... Lilly said, moving in a little further. She was in as far as her torso, and she could see the rat cowering by the cardboard Scotty had created. She used her feet to push herself in further. She was still about a foot away from touching the rat, though... Lilly dug her toes into the carpet and pushed again. At this motion her pants tugged downward, and Lilly just knew that Scotty was getting a bird's eye view of...oh, no, she'd worn a thong, today, hadn't she? Oh, god... Lilly gritted her teeth and wriggled a little further, trying to reach the rat's tail. White, she thought. She stretched a further. Satin. She mentally cringed. One last stretch and she grasped the rat's tail. Lilly then crawled back out from behind the couch as fast as possible.
By Scotty's red face Lilly knew he'd gotten an eyeful. she said, getting up on her feet and placing the squirming rat in the new box. Lilly brushed off her hands, trying to pretend nothing had happened. She went over and retrieved the cardboard lid, setting it on top of the box. She then went and helped Scotty push the couch back in. she said again, trying to sound satisfied with the task.
But this pretending-nothing-happened-was not working. Scotty still was mute, his face red, and he was avoiding eye contact with her. Lilly decided she had to say something to regain her dignity. They go better with these kind of pants, okay! Lilly said, throwing up her hands.
Uh...yeah, I mean...it's all good. Scotty said rather fecklessly.
Just as Scotty was wondering how that comment was being taken (honestly, he'd just been embarrassed and wanted to say something nonchalant), Stillman came through the office door.
I've been looking for you two! Listen, that lead I had checked out. I need you to go to this address and try to talk to the building manager... Apparently he's been there for fifteen years, he should remember our guy. If Stillman noticed anything unusual about his detectives' demeanor or their flushed faces, he didn't say anything.
Yeah, sure, Boss. Lilly said, taking the paper Stillman held out. We'll go in just a minute...here Scotty, give me the box.Problems the vermin? Stillman asked, frowning.
Lilly said.
Scotty said, his face still not quite back to it's normal color. We had to...catch them. he added lamely.
Only then did Stillman stop and appraise his young officer. Chasing rats get you outta breath, Scotty? he asked, sounding somewhat disapproving. Maybe you oughta hit the gym a little harder! Stillman thumped Scotty on the back and headed out the door. And you better put those rats away, Lil. he called over his shoulder.
Lilly and Scotty just stood there, both completely mortified at this point.
CCCCC
Lilly found an empty drawer in the bottom of a filing cabinet to put the box with the rats in, and she left a note for Vera on his desk. She couldn't help thinking to herself about what Scotty had just said... What did her partner mean by it was all good? He'd like her in any kind of panties?! No, Scotty wouldn't say something crude like that...she was reading too much into it. So why did she think that? Was it what she wanted to think?! Lilly tried to shake this off. She had work to do.
CCCCC
Lilly and Scotty made the trip to the address Stillman gave them, but they didn't have any luck. The building manager's name was on the tenant list, but he wasn't home.
Scotty buzzed one last time. We could come back. he suggested. How does an early lunch sound? Lilly nodded, just remembering then she hadn't eaten breakfast, with being late and all. She was hungry, she realized.
What do you want? Scotty asked her.
Lilly shrugged. she said.
I could go for a burger. Scotty said. Something like that good with you? Lilly agreed.
The two headed back to the car.
CCCCC
Lilly and Scotty went to a nearby diner for lunch. They both ordered burgers with fries; Lilly's being vegetarian, of course. Sitting there waiting with Scotty, Lilly was getting so hungry she felt light-headed, and she was tempted to start eating ketchup from the bottle, drinking the little creamers...anything. I'm starving... she mumbled to Scotty.
Shouldn't be long, Lil. Scotty reassured her.
Indeed, their meals came within a few minutes. Lilly immediately picked up her burger and took a bite. A horrified look crossed her face and she grabbed a napkin, spitting into it. Oh god! she gasped. This is meat! She spit again and wiped her tongue, trying to get every bit of the food out of her mouth. Maybe you've got mine. she said.
Scotty frowned, and examined his own burger. Nope...this is meat, too. he said. He beckoned to a waitress to come over.
Lilly was still wiping out her mouth, and she pointed to her plate. I ordered a veggie burger. she said, sounding rather mournful.
Oh! Sorry about that. the waitress said, picking up Lilly's plate. I'll bring you a veggie.
Lilly slumped over and rested her head in her hands. When she looked up she noticed Scotty hadn't touched his food yet, either. She frowned. Don't wait for me, Scotty...your food will get cold.
Scotty took this as permission, and he picked up his burger. Well, at least have some of my fries. he said.
I don't want to take your food. Lilly said, face still in her hand. Those fries did smell good, though...
You're not taking them... See, when your new meal comes, I'll have some of your fries. Scotty pointed out. He pushed his plate to the center of the table.
Lilly smiled a little. Okay, then. she said. Like ketchup? she asked, reaching for the bottle.
Of course. Scotty said, smiling back at her. Lilly smiled again and she poured ketchup on the fries.
CCCCC
Lilly had some of Scotty's fries, and when her meal came, he had some of hers, as planned. It was amazing the camaraderie that came from sharing a few French fries... Sharing their food made it seem almost like a lunch date between friends, and Lilly was enjoying the easy conversation between her and her partner.
Well, Lil...what do you think? Time to go? Scotty finally asked.
Lilly said reluctantly. She took one last drink of her watery Coke and got up with her partner. They left the restaurant and began to walk towards the parking garage where they'd left their car.
As they walked along, Lilly decided to re-adjust the little twist in her hair. She took out her clip and shook her hair out a little, then put the clip in her teeth, using both hands to comb out her hair. She tossed her head back to re-do it, and at that moment the hairclip slipped out of her teeth. she muttered.
Scotty noticed, and both he and Lilly bent down to look for the clip. Crunch. Lilly found it under her foot. My clip! she yelped. She picked up the pieces and lay them in her hand.
Uh, oh. Scotty said, looking at the broken parts of the hairclip.
Oh, no. Lilly said, her brow wrinkled. I can't believe I broke it...What, was that a special one? Scotty asked her.
Lilly shook her head. No, I mean...it's just cheap, and I have lots of them, but...I don't have any with me. she said.
Scotty said, not quite getting the significance of this. The light turned to walk' and the pair began making their way across the street.
Maybe there's an elastic band on the road or something. Lilly said. You know...from newspapers, people just throw them away... She was holding her hair up with one hand and looking down on the ground as they walked.
Lilly...you look nice with your hair down! Don't worry about it. Scotty told her.
It's not about how I look, it's about how I feel. Lilly said.
This sort of put Scotty at a loss. He continued on beside his partner.
They walked a few more minutes and got to the garage. The entrance was a level lower than the street, and Lilly went ahead of Scotty when they got to the stairs.
Lilly was still fussing with her hair, gathering it up with her hands and holding it in a knot at the back of her head. She wasn't paying attention to where she was going and when she began to descend the stairs she missed the second step, her foot sliding to the third one and her knees buckling.
Scotty saw it happen almost in slow motion. He reached out and brushed Lilly's sleeve, then watched helplessly as he partner tumbled down the stairs.
Life returned to real time as Scotty rushed down the stairs to his partner. Jesus, Lilly! Scotty breathed. Are you okay?! Scotty crouched at the bottom of the stairs with her.
Lilly sat there looking dazed. I dunno...yeah. she said. Except my ankle... she said, frowning. I think I twisted it on the way down. Her hands stroked her right ankle and she winced. Yeah, it kinda hurts...Just the ankle? Scotty asked her. That was quite a fall...A few bruises, maybe... Lilly said, frowning again. My knee... and my hands burn... She examined them. Her palms were scraped, but not bleeding. But I think I'm okay. she said. I just hope I didn't wreck my clothes... She began examining her pants. Oh no! she said, noticing a small hole in one of the knees. These pants have the matching blazer! She sounded totally distressed now.
Lil...don't worry about it right now. Your health is more important. Scotty said, trying to distract her. Come on...do you think you can stand up? He stood and held his arms down to her.
Lilly grumbled, still irate over her ruined outfit. She reached up for her partner's hands.
Scotty helped Lilly to her her feet, but quickly realized she couldn't bear weight on her right foot. he said, reaching out and grabbing her before she went down again.
Lilly said, trying to steady herself against Scotty and balancing on her left foot. I'll be okay... She tried to put some weight on her right leg, and Scotty could see her wince. It just...kinda hurts to stand on it... Just let me hold onto your arm. Lilly told her partner.
Scotty dutifully proffered his arm. Lilly took it with both hands, and tried to take another few steps. She leaned heavily on Scotty's arm and still sucked in her breath when she put any weight on that foot.
Scotty began. I can carry you, you know....We just have to get to the car. Lilly said. It's not far.It's way at the other end. Scotty said.
Still not far. Lilly shrugged.
They walked another two or three painstaking steps. Scotty said again.
I'll be fine. Lilly insisted. She hobbled another step and winced again.
Scotty shook his head...she was so stubborn. Lilly...you can't walk. he said, stopping her. He put his hands under her arms and looked her straight in the eye. You're going to do more damage. Let me carry you.
Lilly paused, clearly considering this. Finally she nodded. All right, fine. she said.
Scotty reached out and scooped Lilly up with minimal effort. He supported her back under one arm, and the back of her thighs/knees with the other. He began to walk towards their car, Lilly in his arms.
Lilly brushed the hair out of her eyes. Hey Scotty? Don't ever tell anyone about this. she warned him, only half joking.
A little smile played on Scotty's lips. Ooh, now you're tempting me, Rush. he teased.
I mean it... Lilly said, but she was smiling too by now. I don't need a reputation as a damsel in distress!
Scotty chuckled. Come on, Lil...you just banged up your ankle real good. ...If it'd happened to me, I'd have you carrying me!
Lilly was just laughing now. she said.
Scotty carried her another few minutes in relative silence, and Lilly was impressed at his strength. She wasn't a big woman, but...Scotty wasn't a particularly big man, either. She hated to admit it, but she was rather enamored with this, having her partner carry her. Of course, it would be easier to focus on if she wasn't in so much pain...but he wouldn't be carrying her if she wasn't in pain. Catch-22. Lilly decided to try and ignore the throbbing in her ankle for a just a moment and instead focus on Scotty's scent and the feel of being in his arms. She closed her eyes.
Scotty's voice broke her out of her reverie too soon. Okay, Lil...I gotta open the door... Stick your good leg out and stand on it.
They were at the car. Lilly complied, and Scotty eased her to the ground. She was a little unsteady on one foot, and he kept a hand on her waist as he unlocked the passenger side. Okay, Lil... Scotty said, beginning to help her down into the seat. Once she was sitting, she swung her left leg in and then lifted her right.
Scotty closed the door and went around to get in the driver's side. Let's just sit here for a few minutes and see if it feels any better. he suggested.
Yeah, sure...I'm sure it will. Lilly agreed.
They waited in silence for a minute, and then Scotty put the key in the ignition and turned on the radio. Some 80's song was playing. Lilly leaned down and unzipped her boot, gingerly removing it from her foot. She took off her sock and began examining her ankle. It didn't look like there was anything wrong, but it did look a bit swollen. Do you think it's swollen, Scotty? Lilly asked her partner.
Maybe a little... Scotty reached over and rubbed it gently, and Lilly gasped.
Oh, god, don't touch it! she breathed.
Scotty said, his brow knitted.
Lilly put her sock back on, and leaned against the glass window. It's okay. she said.
They listened to another two songs, and then Scotty spoke again. Is it any better? he asked her.
Lilly shook her head. It's actually worse. she said wanly. I don't think I should've tried to walk on it...I think we should go to the ER and get you checked out. Scotty said decidedly. He was surprised when he didn't get so much as a peep of protest from Lilly. He realized then his partner must really be in pain. He looked over at her, and she just shrugged and nodded. Scotty started up the car.