Deviation from the Average
By Javawolf
Author's Note: .:ahem:. You won't believe what I've done now. Dimwit, here, has started another story. That's five, now – at once – for those of you watching the home game. And yet, loyal angel that I am, I still managed to get this up. (Wah-hoo!) As it is, I think we're okay and I should still be updating regularly. However if, and only if I disappear mysteriously, you deserve to know that in all likely hood, I haven't died. Just in case.
Please review. Reviews feed the muse. .:grin:.
"You fired him?" Grim asked eagerly later that evening, inside Deakins' office. "He's gone?"
Deakins shook his head. "Oh no. I just threatened to fire him. Well, technically I told him he was fired, but just a little white lie." He shrugged. "I knew he'd do it, so why bother with all that extra paperwork? Empty threat, really."
Grim sunk back into his seat. "So, what happens to me when he's reinstated?"
"We'll get you a new partner, or you can apply for a transfer."
Deakins was only still sitting here because Eames had called the office an hour ago, saying she was on her way. He expected a report, and he wanted it now. She was late – and Grim was breathing down his neck about what was going on with Goren.
He rubbed his knuckles into his temples, and still Grim didn't take the hint. "Look, Grim. Maybe it's time you went home, I'm not giving you overtime here."
"I'm waiting for Eames." The man before him stated simply, as though loitering in your boss' office was perfectly reasonable.
"Well, you can wait someplace else." Deakins said forcefully. Grim narrowed his eyes slightly, but obeyed with some disinclination.
"Yes, sir." He said with a plastered grin. No respect. You know, if he were freaking dying chances were no one would look his way. Grim lived in the shadow of The Detective Robert Goren, resident loon. If anything were more insulting, he'd eat his very expensive shoes. "I'll just be waiting in the hall then, would you tell her that?"
Deakins sighed audibly. "Yes." The tone was one of ebbing patience. "Goodnight."
Grim merely nodded and exited the office, shutting the door softly behind him and making his way down the hall to the break room. Maybe there was still some coffee, or something... Though he could really go for something stronger. Much stronger.
A rap on the door. "Captain?"
"Eames." Deakins said, surprised. "Let me call you back." He spoke softly into the telephone before setting it gently back down onto the receiver. Then he faced the exhausted looking woman who limped towards him with a tired smile.
"Hey, how are things on this end?" She sighed, throwing herself in a chair. Deakins waved a disregarding hand in the air.
"Same old, Grim's looking for you."
"Peachy..." Alex grumbled before gazing up at her captain with a look of accomplishment. "He's going to be fine." She said, with relief in her voice. Deakins sank softly back into his chair, only now realizing he'd been rising out of it with the anxiety.
"He's sick?" He asked quietly. Alex shrugged.
"They don't really know, but the doctor said his symptoms are similar to those of schizophrenia. He gave Bobby medicine for the symptoms we know about."
"Can they do that?" Deakins asked incredulously, his brow furrowed.
Alex smiled slightly, bowing her head shamefully. "I sort of got in his face about it."
"Ah." Deakins nodded with sudden understanding. No one says no to Alex Eames. "How is he doing?"
"He seems fine. I took him to his apartment and he fed me dinner." She added with a smile. Deakins raised an eyebrow.
"Dinner, huh?"
"Oh stop." Alex scoffed. "It was just polite, after all I bought him ice cream."
"I see. So he's okay then?"
"He was just reading when I left. The medicine he's taking is going to keep him up nights until he gets used to it, but he doesn't mind. You know Bobby, a good collection of books and he's all set for a lifetime."
Deakins nodded with a smile. "I'm very relieved to hear that."
Alex smiled in return and stood slowly. "Well, I guess I'll be going."
"Oh no you don't." Deakins scolded. "Grim."
"Do I have to?" Alex whined, her fingers gripping the doorknob.
"Yes, I want him to leave. I'd like to go home."
Alex let her breath out in a rush. "Fine..." She grumbled. "Goodnight, captain."
"Uh-huh. 'Night." Came to rushed reply before the door closed shut. Alex walked stiffly down the hall.
"Hello? Grim?"
He popped his head out of the break room, scaring the socks off of poor Alex, who clutched her heart in surprise. Grim still held a doughnut in his mouth, but removed it when he saw who had been calling him.
"Oh, sorry..."
"You trying to give me a heart attack?" Alex accused. Grim bowed his head.
"Er... no." His said rather sheepishly.
"What do you want, then?" She replied sharply, placing his hands firmly on her hips. Grim smiled a little, and then broke into a wide grin.
"Well, I know it's a little late tonight, but maybe sometime you'd let me take you out to dinner." Grim's eyes twinkled. "If you want." He added with an even wider smile.
Alex stared absently at him. "What?"
"Or, you know it's not too late for drinks. Drinks are good if that's what you like."
Oh, she could use a drink. But, it wasn't right. She couldn't stand Grim, ... right?
"But, I really shouldn't, I mean – Bobby –"
"Still hasn't even figured out you're a girl, Alex." Grim said, almost apologetically.
He called her Alex. Bobby hardly ever did that. Should she call him Leon? No, she wasn't going, she couldn't go – Bobby needed her right now.
Just decline politely, you can always sleep on it. "Did you have anything in mind?" Damn it.
"No, not so much. What do you like?" Grim was beaming now, he'd known she would say yes. No one said no to his charm.
Alex laughed, blushing. "I honestly can't believe I'm even considering this," She said, Grim only shrugged in response. "Um... Well, I've always liked Italian – or even Thai. Oh, but you're thinking drinks, aren't you?"
Grim simply nodded and smiled. "It's okay. Just let me know when you're free, alright? Well have dinner."
And with that, he gave her one last flashy smile and sauntered down the hall, leaving Alex to mentally pummel herself.
She'd said yes? She'd actually said yes to that creep? And she was smiling – why?
She sighed. A problem to ponder another day. Right now, she needed sleep.