Author's Note: Prior to this story, Jules has switched to Team Four (which is how she and Sam were able to date). See "Chasing Pavement" for background and juicy details.
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Sam released the metal bar of the exercise machine he was using and reached for his water bottle. He glanced at his watch as he took a swig of water – workout time was over. He flexed his arms, lightly stretched his neck in each direction, then picked up his iPod and towel from the bench and headed towards the locker rooms.
He was halfway there when a door to the right swung open and a cluster of officers from Team Four walked in wearing workout gear. He stopped and searched their faces for a moment before his gaze fell on one that was particularly beloved to him.
"Hey, Jules," he said, breaking into a smile.
She looked up, her face brightening immediately. "Sam," she said warmly, hurrying over and rising to her toes to give him a quick kiss. "I was looking for you at the Rinner case this morning, but we got partnered with Team Two instead of you guys. Remind me to fill you in with the details later, it was quite the story!" She took a step back and giggled. "You know, you really reek right now."
Sam adopted an outraged expression and swatted her lightly with his towel. "We'll see what your aroma is like in an hour, princess. That's hard-earned sweat you smell!"
"I think 'Eau de Jules' smells just fine," Jules retorted, an impish grin on her face.
"Well, it's my opinion that we'll count on that," Sam said.
"Oh really? Why's that?"
Sam smiled and stepped closer to her. "Cuz I'm the one that's kissing you," he murmured, cupping her face in his hands.
"I'll give you that one," Jules sighed, closing her eyes as Sam's lips gently met hers. Her heart thumped louder in her ears, and she reached her arms around Sam's neck and –
"Ew! You're all sweaty," Jules exclaimed, pulling away.
She wiped her hands on her shorts. Then, taking in Sam's disappointed look, she said, "Hey, I'm off in two hours, by which time 'Eau de Sam' and 'Eau de Jules' will be just fine, and we'll continue where we left off…" She cocked her head to the side and smiled beatifically at her beau.
"I'll hold you to that promise," Sam said, reluctantly turning towards the locker rooms.
"Oh I know you will," Jules shot back, grinning.
"I'll see you later."
"See ya, Sam." She gave a half-wave and left to join her team mates on the workout floor.
"Hey – Jules!"
"Yeah?" She turned around, eyebrows raised questioningly.
"I'm going to be a bit late today – not much, like – maybe a half hour or so, I just need to – there's something I need to take care of after work. Nothing big, just - yeah."
Jules's forehead creased in puzzlement at Sam's halting sentence, but she nodded in acquiescence and left to her workout. Sam remained standing in place for a moment, then shook his head slightly and headed to the showers.
Good grief, I almost forgot that I need to meet Dr. Ruth today.
He paused his undressing for a moment, his shirt still bunched around his neck.
Do I really need to talk to her? I mean – Jules seems fine…
The shirt slowly came off over his head, and he sat down to unlace his sneakers.
She always seems fine during the day. I mean, she's fine in the evenings too – it's just at night…
A pair of pants, two socks, and boxers joined the shirt in its heap.
She acts completely normal . We all do these days. It's been a month already since – since it happened. Since Lewis died. Since he was blown up in front of our eyes.
Sam's eyes darkened and his mouth set. He twisted the shower knob a bit more viciously than necessary, and was rewarded with an unwelcome staccato of burning hot water on his back. He yelped in pain and hurriedly adjusted the water temperature.
We were all there. We all saw it happen. We all make it through the day. It's only the nights where it all goes wrong.
For Jules, at least…
The steam hovered in a thick cloud around Sam as the water steadily rained down from the showerhead.
I just don't get it, he admitted to himself in frustration. Is it a girl thing? Is it just a Jules thing? I mean, I've lost a lot more friends than she has – look how I lost Matt – and I don't cry every night over it.
He stared down at the bar of soap in his hands, trying to force down the feeling of helplessness that rose in his chest.
I just don't get this whole thing with Jules. I don't understand it.
He ran his fingers through his hair, ensuring that the last vestiges of shampoo had been rinsed out, then shut off the shower and reached for his towel.
That's why you're going to speak to a professional, Sam. Someone who will understand the things that you don't. Someone who can fix this.
A comb through his hair, a quick glance in the mirror, and Sam was ready to rejoin his team – but his reflection kept him company for a few extra moments today, staring back at him with a combination of consternation and restlessness.
I fix things. Why can't I fix this?
