"Goren," Deakins shouted as he walked over to them, "When you go out to get coffee, mind getting me a cup?"

"Not at all."

"Thanks."

Goren sat flicking his pen against the pile of paperwork he was doing. He was staring intensely at it without raising his eyes. Deakins looked over at Alex to receive the look she normally gave him that said, "He's in one of his moods, he'll get over it." Instead, she sat hunched over her own paper work, her brow furrowed in what appeared to be barely-contained fury.

"Guys... I know paperwork is a drag, but it's a necessary evil." He looked from one to the other. Alex pushed her chair back and looked up at him. Her expression was suddenly one of weariness.

"Mind if I cut out a little early tonight? I've got a headache I can't seem to get rid of." Her eyes flicked almost imperceptibly at Goren when she said 'headache.' Her eyes had met his own icy gaze.

"No problem, if you can finish a couple more case files, you can leave this afternoon." His look was one of concern. Even with an eye patch, Deakins caught the quick glance Alex had given Bobby.

"I'd better go get that coffee." Bobby stood abruptly, dropping his pen onto the desk. After he'd gone, Deakins leaned down and looked at Alex.

"What the hell is going on?" He said, his voice very low.

"Don't ask." She shook her head.

"Eames, I'm not asking as a concerned friend, I'm asking as a Captain of this squad. You two are acting like a childish married couple. The next thing I know, you'll be asking me to pass a note to him because you won't deign to speak to one another directly."

"Captain.." Alex looked up at him,

"Alex, I'm serious. I don't know what's going on with you two, but it better be kosher by tomorrow or I'm calling a meeting. You're partners. Whatever lover's quarrel you have, don't bring it into this building."

"Lover's -- " She sputtered, seeing red for a moment, but regained her composure quickly. "Captain, I assure you, you have nothing to worry about."

He nodded, and stood up straight.

"That's what I like to hear, detective."

Carver stood waiting in Deakins' office. He patiently watched through the glass as the Captain spoke to his two star detectives. When he returned, he smiled smugly.

"What was that all about?"

"Carver, have you ever heard the phrase ... "familiarity breeds contempt and children?"

"Captain... I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that."

Deakins laughed.