Don't own anything but my imaginaton.

Alex had called their old Captain later that evening. "Hi Captain, its Eames."

"Alex, it's good to hear from you, but how many times do I have to tell you to call me Jimmy now."

"I don't know sir, but most likely a few more times at least."

"Hey, how is your partner doing with everything that happened last week?"

"He had a rough few days" and nights she thought to herself. "But he is getting better. In fact that is part of the reason I called. I am planning a small dinner party. I thought that intermingling and socializing would be good for Bobby, and I was hoping you and your wife would come."

"Sure, sounds good, just tell me when."

"Friday night? Say about 7:00?"

"Ok, we'll be there and tell Bobby that we're thinking of him in the meantime."

"Will do Captain" Alex said then hung up the phone. Turning she said to Bobby, "it's all set, Friday, 7:00."

"Great, now about that mingling and socializing" he said as he picked her up and carried her to the bedroom.

Friday night

Bobby came up behind Alex and hugged her. "The tables all set, what's next?" he asked as he nibbled on her neck. Alex tipped her head to give him better access just as the door bell rang. Sighing, she said, "Next we answer the door." Bobby went to turn on some music as Alex opened the door.

"Come on in Captain, Angie" she said, gesturing them in. Deakins handed her a bottle of wine. "Thank you, dinner will be ready in about 20 minutes."

"Bobby here yet?" Deakins asked as they followed her into the living room.

"Right here Captain" he said as he came out of the kitchen caring a plate of ourdurves. "Hi Angie, it's good to see you."

"You too Bobby" Angie replied. "How are you doing?"

"I'm getting there" he replied.

Shortly they were all at the table eating and enjoying the food and the wine the Captain had brought.

"Gee, Alex" Deakins said. "When you said small party, you meant small."

"Well actually" she started.

"We need some advice" Bobby said for her.

"Really?" Deakins said. "Advice about what?" He thought he had a pretty good idea about what. Alex reached over under the table and took hold of Bobby's hand.

"From a command stand point, what would you have done if two of your detectives had told you they were in love and wanted to get married?"

"Oh this is so sweet" Angie exclaimed. "Didn't I tell you they would make a good couple Jimmy?"

"Angie honey, they didn't say they were talking about themselves. But to answer Alex's question, it would depend of if these two detectives were partners or just working in the same squad." Deakins said, though he was sure he knew the answer. He had decided to enjoy this and drag it out a bit.

"Let's say for the sake of argument "Bobby said. "We are talking about partners."

"Theoretically, by the book, the partners would have to be reassigned new partners or one of them transferred out of the squad."

"Theoretically?" Alex said.

"You see," Deakins said, "That level of relationship can be a double edged sword for partners. Their ability to work well together can increase, however, a fight at home can become a fight on the job and decrease working well together. There is also the issue of protectiveness. Would the husband/boyfriend let the wife/girlfriend take a risk that he otherwise have no problem letting a partner take?"

"Jimmy," Angie complained, "Your tormenting them."

"No, that is ok Angie," Bobby said. "The Captain has some good points."

"Captain?" Alex asked. "What if these partners had been in love for years without it causing any of the issues mentioned?""Alex, theoretically, would these partners have been hiding a relationship from their Captain for years?"

"No, sir, just each other"

"Jimmy!"

"Ok honey," Deakins relented. "Look you two. I saw this coming years ago, and I took care of it. Bobby, before Alex, you went through partners like a kid goes through candy. The last thing the department wants is to try and find you another partner that will work with you long term?"

"How exactly did you take care of it Captain?" Bobby asked.

"Well, when it became obvious to me that eventually you two would figure out that you were each the best thing to happen to the other, I went the brass. I had a meeting with the Chief of D's and the Commissioner and there is now a letter of preapproval in both of your files to keep your partnership intact in this event. I also talked to Ross before I left so he is aware of it and won't give you any trouble except to tell you to keep it professional at work. So you should tell him first thing Monday.

"Well ok then" Alex said "who would like cake for dessert?"

FIN