1
Because You Stayed
Five years ago, you put in for a transfer and applied for a job with the Major Case Squad. They told you who you new partner would be — and you took the job, anyway. I was both happy and sad to have a new partner: "Happy" because it was another chance to start new, never giving up hope that I'd finally be paired with someone who would stay; "Sad" because the fact that Deakins had to bring in someone new only meant that I had somehow failed the one before you —and the five who came before him, forcing me to ask myself, "what's so wrong with me that no one will ever stay?"
Three years ago, I told you all the reasons and excuses why your six predecessors found it necessary to leave. Hell, I couldn't blame them. Even my own father left me. And you looked me in the eye and told me a dozen reasons why you wanted to stay.
Two years ago, I told you all about my mother's illness – maybe it was because I had too much to drink that night. I told you about the little boy whose life was thrown into turmoil at the tender age of seven. You listened without judging; gave compassion without pity and, in contrast to the six who had left, you told me I was all right – that there was nothing 'wrong' with me.
Last year, you saw me at my worst, more times than I'd care to remember. Those cases – you know which ones – that got under my skin brought out a side of me I never wanted you to see, fearful that it would be your 'final straw' – the catalyst to driving you away. And even though you didn't fully understand – even though I tried your patience, you listened when I needed a friend; gave comfort to my distraught mind.
Last night, when I finally got up the nerve to tell you I loved you, you smiled and said that you loved me, too – then spent the night proving it.
So, here you are, sleeping peacefully in my arms. I'm a better detective with you as my partner. I'm a happier man. Because you stayed.
THE END
A/N: As usual, I own no rights to Mr. Wolf's fabulous LO:CI characters, but am grateful that he shares.