Disclaimer: I don't own Law and Order: Criminal Intent or any other show in the franchise. So no suing Dick Wolf, please kay thanks…

NOTE: Italics indicate flashback.

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Chapter 1

I woke up from another night of restless sleep, my mind once again not being able to fall asleep. To dream a dream. A good dream would be a blessing. A shock. Especially since I haven't had one of those in a long time. I groaned as I heard my phone go off, not so much in frustration, as much as the pain that I felt in my back. Getting old sure did suck.

"Goren."

"Hey Bobby, I'm outside your apartment and I thought we could grab some breakfast before we headed in. Your treat."

I smiled when she said the last part in a sing song voice.

"Of course, Eames. I'll be down in 10 minutes."

"You better be Bobby, or I'm gonna have to drag you out."

I chuckled at the thought of my little partner pulling at my hand, trying to drag me out of my apartment.

"Okay Eames, I promise I'll be out in time."

"Alright, bye."

"Bye."

Closing my phone, I willed my body out of bed and into the shower. Turning the faucet on high, I sighed as the burning water hit me. To say it felt good was an understatement. I could never understand why, but the water always had to be boiling or else it was too cold. It may have been a way to purge myself of sin. Who knows? I'm just a lapsed alter boy. I quickly washed myself and got out of the shower, drying myself with a jumbo towel I've had for years. I threw the towel in the hamper and paddled to my dresser, grabbing a pair of boxers and black jeans.

Checking the time, I picked up my pace, realizing I only had a few more minutes before Eames barged through my door. I threw on my black undershirt and a dark blue button up dress shirt. It was the middle of April, so I didn't grab my big jacket, just my black dress jacket. I moved to my kitchen counter, where I placed my badge, gun, and binder the previous night. Almost robotically, I put the badge in my pocket and gun in the holster on my belt. Sometimes I'm surprised that I don't sleep with the damn things seeing the price I had to pay to get them back.

I almost fell over when I tried to put my shoes on, probably because I was hopping down the hallway since I forgot my wallet in my other pants. Again. I had a few seconds to spare as I ran out the door and into Eames' car.

"Cut it close there, eh Bobby?"

"Ah, you know me Eames. Love to make you sweat."

Her eyes flashed with something, and turned a darker colour, as her lips made a tight line. I knew I said something wrong. My partner looked angry, but realized I was watching and put it away.

"You have no idea, Goren."

I cringed. She played like she was alright, and she may have gotten away with it, but she slipped. She said Goren, and my Eames only said it when she was angry. I looked down in shame and guilt. Why did I always do this? Can't I just shut up for five seconds? I was more considerate before. I would have never said that three years ago. Of course, everything was so much simpler back then…

Eames starting the car moved me from my thoughts. I chanced a glance at her, noting that she was staring fixedly on the road, as if challenging it. But I saw through her. She was challenging me, daring me to say "I'm sorry". She knew that I had a guilt complex, and she knew that I would try and apologize so she could bite my head off. If she hadn't used the plan before, it might have worked, but I knew her game by now, and I personally didn't feel like getting an earful from my partner.

After awhile though, I just couldn't keep up the silence, especially since it was so damn awkward.

"So, where are we going?"

"To the diner."

I smiled a bit at that. The diner near my apartment building had a special meaning for the both of us. It was the place we went to after our first case together, and we always went there after a tough case or if we just wanted to hang out. It was the first place I took Eames after she was allowed out of the hospital when she had Nathan. I remember the look on her face when she found out we were going there...

"You're taking me to the diner, Bobby? I just had a baby and you're taking me to the diner?"

"Of course Eames, it's our diner."

"I don't see our names on it."

"Are you sure about that?"
"What the hell did you do Bobby?"

"…Nothing…Nothing at all Eames."
"Somehow I don't believe you."

I smiled when she said that, and led her to the booth that had also become ours.

"Close your eyes Eames, I have a surprise for you."

She looked at me exasperated, but listened to me and closed her eyes. I finished the walk over to the table, my hand around her waist, and placed ourselves in front of it. I leaned down and whispered in her ear,

"Open your eyes, Alex."

She opened her eyes and laughed at what she saw in front of her. On the table was an extra large pack of original Skittles and a large coffee, made exactly the way she liked. I smiled as she picked up the Skittles and found what was hidden underneath.

The table read, "PROPERTY OF ALEXANDRA EAMES AND ROBERT GOREN"

"Oh, Bobby…"

"Now this really is our diner."

I chuckled at the memory, and Eames finally looked at me, questioning me with her eyes.

"I was remembering the night that I took you here after you had your nephew."

That got a smile out of her and it made my heart speed up. Nothing in the world compared to Alex's smile.

"One of your finer moments, Bobby. That table better still have our name on it."

"It was last week."

"Yeah I know, but I always wonder if it won't be one day…"

"I don't think that will happen any time soon."

Eames gave me another look, and so I replied,

"I kinda, maybe, possibly, paid the guy for the table."

She raised her eyebrow, not believing me for a second. I conceded,

"Alright. I paid the guy for the table and agreed to do a few background checks on his daughter's boyfriends…as…as well as some, uh, intimidation…"

That got a laugh out of her and the sparkle came back into her eyes.

"Oh, Bobby."

"I know, I know. I just wanted to make you happy."

At that moment, Eames parked in the lot of diner and cut off the ignition. She turned in her seat and looked me in the eyes, and said, "Well, it worked." Then she got out of the car and headed in. I followed her as quickly as I could and managed to open the door for her, putting my hand on her back as we walked in, delighted in the fact she didn't shake me off.

XXX

Authors Note: So, here's the first chapter in my story. I hope you liked it and understand the jittery dialogue. I really want to get you guys into Bobby's head as I imagine it. I appreciate all your support so far, and hope that you will continue to give me your insights into the story! I love hearing what you guys have to say! I hope to update soon, but I can't make any promises with school still in session…Okay, I'm gonna shut up now…lol!