A/N: Seriously this story is like a monster for me- I can't stop writing it. And while are you are thankful for that, I'm sure- my kids aren't so much, lol. Happy Thanksgiving to all of the Americans- hope you're enjoying your day. My plans include a whole lot of nothing cause it's merely Thursday here- maybe I'll do another fanvid, Lord help me.
Disclaimer: Not mine. Wish they were, but I am thankful to Dick Wolf, NBC for giving them to us.
The night was cold, and even the beaten leather coat I had on couldn't keep the chill from invading my body. Which probably had more to do with my absolute lack of clothing than the jacket's abilities, but I blamed the coat none the less, as Dick's voice crackled in my ear piece.
"What Heidi – you think they'd let you wear a parka? You're lucky you had a coat that looked believable." I sighed in disgust, leaning against the brick wall and glancing down at the other girls huddled there in a group. They were sharing cigarettes- and the scene reminded me of the penguins from the zoo, which caused a smile to cross my face for a brief moment. Then a gust of bitterly cold wind blew by and the smile dropped away. I rolled my neck, resisting the urge to ask Dick the time – again. It had only been five minutes since the last time I asked, and in the three hours I had been traversing this street, I had only gotten one tag. I buried my chin to my chest, pulling the coat against me more securely.
"I want to go home." I muttered into the mic hidden there. "It's fucking freezing out here-"
"Such language from our Heidi, Dick." Deates' voice echoed in my ear. "I mean really, listening to her now, would you believe she's just a good Catholic girl?"
"Catholic girls are never good." Dick's voice answered in amusement. "All that repression is what gets em I think."
"Oh shut the hell up." A few girls look my way in curiosity- so I stare off into space, using what Dick calls the crazy stare. Better they think I just talk to myself than make me. I wandered further down the street, away from them, wrinkling my nose at the strong smell of urine emanating from the ally behind me. Some nights I hate this job. I hopped from foot to foot trying to get some body heat going, but all it succeeded in doing is making me realize I can no longer feel my feet. Great. The week has seemed to drag really – I had spent the first half of it clearing up paperwork from the under age drinking busts Dick and the Auxiliary had cleared over the weekend. Because really, it wasn't like the Aux would do her own paperwork- she was only 19 for Christ's sake, and a volunteer at that. A few gambling busts had spiced Wednesday up, but Thursday rolled around and it was time for our usual sting. Dick and I liked Thursdays- they were usually busy nights. Payday and all that- but the cold was keeping the boys in tonight, I guessed.
I decided to stroll up and down the street- at the very least it would keep me warm, or warmer at any rate. I forced my numb legs to move, trying to put a roll into my hips as I walked. Liz had called today- letting me know she would be here tomorrow morning. I had told her to meet me at the station- since I knew we would be busy – but apparently I was wrong about that, and now had a long night alone in the station to look forward to. In fact, over all – I had been having a crappy week. Between dealing with Lish's incessant questions, and Joe's attitude- he still wasn't happy about me saying no- it had been wearing. The only bright spot was that Bobby had called me several times – and had even come over yesterday afternoon. We'd watched movies and I had relaxed for the first time all week. It was difficult though- we both worked nights with no steady schedule of nights off. So our time was limited to very early morning or late afternoon.
"Alex!" Dick's voice was sharp in my ear, and I started. The mere fact that he called me Alex meant that he had tried Heidi and Eames several times. "Daydreaming again, hmm?" His voice teased. He had been on me all week for lack of attention. "Mike just called, she's hauling us back in. One bust in three hours does not a good night make."
"Oh thank God." I muttered, turning on my heel and striding down the street. I walked swiftly- but not too fast. It was all I could do not to break out into a run, knowing that the detail van was around the corner and down the street- and that meant heat. Lovely warmth. Once I rounded the corner and was out of sight of the regular girls, I did jog slightly, reaching the van and hopping in quickly. Deates handed me a blanket he kept in the back, and I thanked him.
"I got you coffee too- what's that get me?" He teased while waggling his bushy red eyebrows.
"My eternal gratitude?" I spoke quickly, taking the cup from him and holding it in my hands, allowing the heat to seep into my numb fingers.
"I could be saving you from frostbite and that's all I get? Ingrate." I grinned at him, and arched a brow as Dick pulled away from the curb.
"Well what do you expect Deates? I only dress like I hand out sexual favors."
"Yeah- plus your boyfriend would kill me."
"He would not-" I broke off at his shit eating grin as he slapped Dick's shoulder.
"Ha! I told you she's got a guy! I want my twenty bucks man." Dick grumbled from the front seat, and I glared at the two of them.
"That was unfair- and what the hell do you care? It's not like I'm not allowed-"
"Of course you're allowed Heidi girl." Dick's voice emitted from the front, and I glared at the back of his head while he chuckled. "See- I said you turned down Joe cause he's a dick and you lied about the guy. Deates here though- said that you wouldn't lie- you would have just said no even if you weren't seeing someone. And apparently he gets the title of knowing you better. I really thought you were just blowing Joe off. Not that he doesn't deserve it if you were."
"I wouldn't have lied to get out of a date. And I can't believe he told you all about it, anyway. Shit. Does Lish know?" I finally felt defrosted enough to risk a sip of the coffee, which didn't have nearly enough sugar, but I shrugged. It was hot, and right now, I'd probably take hot water if it was handed to me.
"Nope." Deates shook his head quickly. "Strictly drunken rambling on guys night out." He held up his hands in defense. "We wouldn't have let him if she was around." I nodded, noticing that Dick was pulling into the station lot. "So- do we know him? Or is he a civvie?" I rolled my eyes, not answering and stepping out of the van.
"None of your business Deates." Dick opened the door for me with a laugh at Deate's expense, and I entered the warm building gratefully.
"I'll find out you know- I am a cop." Deates spoke in a hushed tone as we stood by the stairs.
"Prove it." I whispered back with a smile. "And just for betting on me- which is illegal, by the way – you both can do paperwork while I go grab a shower." They groaned, muttering about hardass women, as I took the stairs two at a time, eager to be back in my own clothes and warm.
A half hour later, I was seated at my desk, blinking at yet another multicolored paperwork form, when Lish came to sit beside me. "Jesus it's cold out tonight. You guys get any bites?"
"One. And I froze my ass off." I muttered, rubbing a hand across my face and glaring at the form like it was responsible.
"We caught a few- but I almost wish we hadn't. At least you got to come in early." She grinned at me and I rolled my eyes at her.
"Yeah- and now I get to finish up my paperwork for the freaking week- and wait for my sister. I wonder if I'll be able to grab a few hours sleep.." I glanced at the clock which read three am, and transferred my gaze back to the small pile of paper in front of me.
"You're crazy- I am going home to my cat and a warm bath and my copy of Lethal Weapon 2 on tape. Mmm.. me and Mel baby- that's my big plans." She laughed as she spoke, and I grinned back.
"Beats my paperwork and a nap on my desk."
"That it does. Have a good night Alex. I'll see you tomorrow night." She stood with a wave and I watched her exit with envy. Just then Deates leaned over my desk with a whisper.
"Dick is goin' home. Mike too- she said just throw the paperwork on her desk when you're done. Jeffs is gone too, but Joe is hanging around." I fought to hide my grimace, but Deates grin told me he caught it. Pulling a chair over next to mine, he took a form from me and smiled. "So I'm gonna make it up to ya for betting- illegally, wouldn't want you to arrest my ass. I'm gonna help you out here- until your sister shows, or Joe leaves. Whichever." He shrugged and I leaned over hugging him.
"Anyone ever tell you despite being a porn freak, you're awesome?" I chuckled, sliding more sheets his way as he groaned.
"Art. It's art Eames."
It was nearing four am, and Joe was still wandering around the building aimlessly, making me want to staple him down or shoot him- or both. Deates was valiantly waiting it out- but we had finished paperwork a half hour ago and had moved onto playing Go Fish with the pack of cards he had hidden in his desk. He had teasingly suggested playing for money, which I had laughed over.
"So how long do you think it'll take him to get over this? Why is he even hanging around here?" I muttered, swiping Deates' jacks as he frowned.
"Til he sees the guy Eames. I don't know- maybe he thinks you lied and he's pissed. You almost never get personal calls at work- nothing really shows you're seeing anyone." I rolled my eyes at this, annoyed. "Eights?" I shook my head, glancing down at my cards.
"Go fish." He picked cards up and I glared around me. "I don't get calls because we work the same shift. And I shouldn't have to prove anything to him anyway. It's not like I stomped all over his sensitive heart. Jesus." Deates nodded with a smile, then shrugged.
"Dunno what to tell you girl. It's awkward and who knows-" He broke off, seeing someone come through the doors, and I tensed, praying it wasn't Joe. "Goren- man, what are you doing here? Not back to borrow my girl are ya? Cause it's Lish's turn and if Dick has to work Aux again, he'll be pissed." I turned with a smile, seeing Bobby walk into the station with a serious expression. My smile slid away and I frowned slightly as he walked behind me, placing a hand on the back of my neck and remaining there for a silent moment.
"No- just dropping by-"
"Oh my lord, it's Goren?" Deates grinned, jumping up swiftly. "Heh- see. Proved I'm a cop Eames!" I laughed slightly as Bobby stepped away, leaning against the desk.
"Yeah- what a detective." I spoke dryly, and Deates glared at me. "On the bright side though- you can leave now."
"You're just saying that cause I was winning." He spoke in a teasing tone, walking over this his desk and replacing the cards.
"As if. I was winning." Deates grinned and pointed at me, walking backwards toward the doors.
"Rematch- next gambling sting. Good to see ya Goren." He exited swiftly, probably thankful to escape and I turned to Bobby with a small smile.
"He was keeping me company. What are you doing here?" I asked softly, and he took the chair Deates had vacated. He shook his head slightly, not speaking for a moment.
"Heard you guys were done early. I tried you at home, figured this would be the next place I found you. You want a ride home?" I frowned and shook my head. He wasn't telling me everything, and he seemed slightly on edge.
"I can't leave yet. Liz is coming up for the weekend, and I thought we'd be busy. She's meeting me here." He nodded as I spoke, listening intently.
"She's the youngest- right? How's she getting here?"
"Train. She should be arriving on the 6:30." I turned to my desk as I spoke, clearing away the clutter on top of it. It didn't really need it- but I needed something to occupy my thoughts and hands. His hands came to the back of my neck again, and I turned my head towards him as it slid along my jaw, stroking the skin softly before settling at the side of my neck. I moved closer, looking at him with worried eyes.
"Bobby- is everything all right?" He smiled at my question, pulling me closer to him.
"It is now. Uh- how about we get breakfast- or whatever. I can drive you to the train station to pick Liz up. Then you won't have to get the train to your place." I smiled, nodding and he pulled me closer still. He still had that edgy look about him, and I knew something was wrong, but I didn't press for details. It was probably a case. I wrapped my arms around him, giving him a brief hug. When I went to pull away however, his arms pinned me there, keeping me close to him. I remained still, knowing he just needed time. Laying my head against his shoulder, I waited. Eventually he pulled away, pressing a light kiss to my hair before taking my hand and pulling me up with him. I grabbed my coat from the back of my chair, and my purse from the drawer I threw it in yesterday evening. Hand in hand we left the station.
He was quiet in the car- so when I suggested we grab something and head to his place, he didn't argue. He remained unsettled while we ate- and when we settled onto the couch after something in him was still slightly off. I didn't know what to do to help- so I did the only thing I could. I sat close to him, wrapping my arms around him and holding him. He made a half hearted attempt to suggest a movie but I shook my head. It was just past five now, and we only had an hour before we needed to get Liz. The darkness that seemed to hang around his large frame disturbed me, but not as much as the fact that he wouldn't talk about it. I didn't push him though- I knew better than most that sometimes there are things you can't discuss. Especially in our line of work. So I simply laid down with him on the sofa, his feet hanging over the arm, and me curled into his body like a small cat.
My arm rested across his waist, curling around the other side and pulling him as close to me as I could. His wrapped his arms around me, once again kissing the top of my head and sighing softly. I opened my eyes, and watched the movement of his chest as he breathed evenly. I pulled my arm back, setting my watch alarm, knowing that I would fall asleep and hoping he would. I tucked my arm back when I was done, and a warm hush seemed to fall over the room. His hand ran along my hair, stroking it rhythmically and I snuggled in deeper, burying my face in his neck.
I woke ten minutes before my alarm was due to go off, and I shifted slightly, glancing up. I frowned- not wanting to leave, not wanting to move, and definitely not wanting to wake him. It was the first time I had seen him sleep- and he looked like a little boy- albeit a giant one. The nap had done wonders for me, although I credited the company more than the nap. Shifting up onto my elbow, I stared down at him. The tension had seeped out of his body and face during sleep and he looked peaceful. Smiling softly I placed a hand on the side of his face gently. His eyes opened immediately, and his body tensed up before he blinked. Seeing that it was me with him, he smiled and the stiffness drained out of him. "Hey."
"Hey yourself." I smiled, not wanting to remind him of his earlier mood- so instead, I leaned down and kissed his bearded cheek gently. His hand came up to rest on my back, a source of warmth that spread across my skin. "Time to get ready and go. Regretting the offer yet?" I asked with a chuckle and he shook his head seriously.
"Not even a bit. Thank you Alex." I paused in my attempt to get up- an attempt he was easily foiling by keeping his hand on my lower back.
"For what?"
"Just- being here. That's all." My eyes met his and I could see a lightness enter his again, so I just smiled and nodded.
"Where else would I be?" His hand reached up, smoothing my hair down and pulling my face closer to his. Kissing me softly, he released me, and we stood reluctantly. Pulling my boots on with a groan, I thrust my arms into my coat. "You may not regret your offer- but I sure as hell am regretting mine. What on earth was I thinking, telling Liz to take the early train?" I muttered pulling my coat shut with a frown. He walked behind me, sliding his hands under my hair and pulling it out from my collar.
"You were thinking you'd be at work. Thursdays are usually big. So what's Liz like?" His tone was mildly curious as we exited the apartment and I laughed lightly.
"Well- if you think I talk a lot, you haven't seen anything. She's a good kid though- seventeen. She's going to NYU next year- once she's in the city I'll never get rid of her."
"You two are close?" He glanced at me as we slid into the car, tilting his head slightly. I smiled gently, my mind wandering back to our growing up years.
"Yeah- it's weird really. I was nine when she was born, and we all hated her trailing around after us. Even Caleb was five then, so a baby sister was the last thing we wanted. Plus my parents made us share a room- which made me more pissed. It was my room before she came along." I laughed and then shrugged quickly. "Somewhere along the way though- I got used to it I guess. I liked that she came to me first- before Sean or Seamus or Caleb- even before Mom."
"She looked up to you." He stated simply, manuvering into traffic. I glanced over with a nod, before frowning.
"Uh, Bobby?" He glanced over in question and I laughed. "Where are we gonna put her? Your car is a two seater."
"We're gonna stop by my friend Lewis' and I'm gonna borrow one of his cars. He won't mind." I arched a brow at him and he chuckled. "Really- I've known Lewis forever. He'll be fine with it." Soon enough we had pulled up to small garage with no lights on. Bobby got out of the car quickly, muttering that he'd be a minute, before he sprinted up the wooden steps on the side of the building. He knocked on a door on the top floor, and carried out a conversation, smiling and laughing a few times. It wasn't light enough for me to make out the person he was talking to, but a few moments later, he was opening my door. "We're gonna have to take Lewis' car." He lead me over to a small volvo and I grinned.
"So your friend, the antique car freak, drives a volvo?"
"Yeah- well Lewis says cars are like women. He only gets to look at the pretty ones-"
"And gets to drive the volvos?" I ask with a smile, getting into the cold car. "Ouch- tell him to never say that to his dates, huh?"
"Will do." Bobby laughed, and I was pleased to see that he seemed in a much better mood. When we pulled into the train station parking lot, we had about three minutes before the train arrived, and ran into the building, laughing. By the time we hit the platform, the train was just pulling in. When Liz stepped off she was grinning like an idiot, and ran over, hugging me fiercely.
"Damn he's cute." She whispered quickly before releasing me and smiling over at Bobby. "You must be Bobby- I'm Liz." He shook her hand, frowning slightly in surprise that he needed no introduction, and I looked down, inwardly cursing Liz.
"Hi Liz- nice to meet you." He smiled at her, before taking her bag and walking with us to the exit.
"Oh shoot- did I just give the wrong impression?" Liz laughed lightly, glancing over at me with sharp eyes. I stuck my tongue out at her and she did the same, giggling. "Lex wasn't talking about you- I mean, just to me. I mean not that she doesn't want to but our Mom- and- never mind." Bobby just laughed, putting her bag in the trunk and opening the door for her. Once we all were inside, he turned the key, looking over at me.
"You weren't lying about the talking thing." He laughed with a smile, and I nodded, sinking into my seat with embarrassment. Liz however, paid no attention, sitting forward and hanging in between our seats.
"So how was work Lex? Are you tired? Cause I really wanted to try to get out today- if you don't mind. If you need a nap though I'll understand- but I'm eager. The winter dresses are out and Daddy gave me money for my prom dress- the cooler colors look so much better on me, and I want to get started-" She hardly breathed and I frowned back at her, worried that she was putting up a front since the break up. "Don't look at me like that Lex. I don't care."
"Alright. Whatever you say. Work was boring as hell last night- the only exciting thing that happened to me was I almost caught pneumonia standing outside for three hours in next to nothing. I got to have a little nap-" I felt his eyes slide over to me as I spoke and I blushed slightly, trying to ignore him and the smile that was threatening to burst out of me. "So I'm good to go."
"So Bobby- will you be joining us at all, or do you have to work today?" Bobby looked both terrified and warmed by Liz's question and I laughed, enjoying his discomfort.
"Uh- no. Shopping for prom dresses isn't really me- and I do have to work later." Liz looked disappointed and I glared at her. "But-" Bobby's voice broke in and we looked over at him simultaneously."I can make time to take you both to lunch tomorrow- if you want-"
"Bobby you don't have to do that." I spoke just as Liz proclaimed an excited yes. His eyes met mine and he smiled.
"I know- I want to." He slid in front of the curb in front of my place, and we stepped out of the car. He insisted on carrying her stuff up, and when we got to my place Liz laughed, walking over to the bed and bouncing like a kid.
"Looks like I'm forced to sleep with you again Lex." She grinned evilly and I smiled back.
"Nope- you can sleep while I'm at work. No kicking for you brat." She rolled her eyes, before excusing herself to the washroom. I shouted that I was walking Bobby downstairs and she shouted something back that was thankfully muffled.
"So- I guess Lewis will be upgrading for a few days then?" I question and he looked confused for a moment before understanding set in.
"Yeah- thanks for reminding me, I'll have to let him know." He took my hand in his as we stood in the foyer, and he pulled me closer. "The lunch thing- if you really are bothered by it-"
"I'm not bothered by it Bobby. It's just I'm worried about you. My sister is a lot to take when you're forced to love her by blood- I shudder to think what she's like for strangers." His hand came up, trailing across my face, and cupping the side of my head gently.
"I- I don't mind. She looks an awful lot like you." He observed and I smiled.
"Yeah- a taller me anyway. Are you sure?"
"Yes- I'll see you tomorrow, all right? Have fun- dress shopping." He laughed and I smacked his arm lightly as he pulled me close and kissed me softly. "I'll call you, hmm?" I nodded dumbly, watching him exit quickly and fold himself back into Lewis' tiny car. He waved once before pulling away, and I sighed softly, before turning to head back upstairs to my sister, and the inquisition I was sure would be waiting.