TITLE: The Bet Chapter 4

RATING: T or PG or whatever
BETAed by: Linda, Brynna, Brynnamorgan (hit the fan)
ARCHIVE: Anyone who would like. Drop me a line so I can visit.
SYNOPSIS: Logan and Barek make a wager.
COMMENTS: Inquiring minds want to know are they or aren't they.
DISCLAIMER: Everything relating to Criminal Intent is owned by Dick Wolf and NBC productions.

Wow! Back for more? Readers Enjoy! And all you Readers that Review Thanks!

Both observers about jumped when they heard Goren let out a deep sigh. Mike's guardian angel was working overtime.

Bobby looked at Alex and said, "I think he already has his mind made up as to what he thinks our situation is." He gave her a questioning look.

"Do what you feel is right." Alex looked like she was just keeping that Irish temper on boil for the moment. "You know what I would rather do."

Bobby smiled at Logan. "Sorry, I don't do quick and dirty." Well, not here anyway. "However, if you're willing to hear me out…"

"Take your time." Logan thought he knew the answers, so if Bobby wanted to prattle on for a few minutes, so be it. Two-hundred dollars, come to papa…

Deakins dropped his shoulders and visibly relaxed. Barek caught his body language as he looked at her.

"If he is speaking, explaining something to Logan," Deakins pointed to the glass, "He won't be swinging." He seemed to read Carolyn's expression and assured her that, "Alex won't do anything either."

"Know much about Greek History?" Goren leaned forward, elbows on table with hands lightly clasped together in front of him.

Logan half shrugged and nodded to the affirmative.

"The Sacred Band of Thebes?" That phrase was getting a blank stare from Logan and the captain as well. Barek and Eames both wore knowing looks about the subject.

"The Greeks were great warriors. The 'band' was an elite Greek troop of 150 pairs of warrior lovers." Bobby leaned back slightly. "The Greeks themselves acknowledged the best fighters, the best teams, were those who were lovers. It was believed that the strong bond between lovers would cause them to fight even more fiercely than an army that contained one's family or tribe. A warrior would rather die in battle than disgrace his lover." Bobby smiled and leaned toward Mike, "This type of relationship was thought to boost morale as well as bravery. To paraphrase Plutarch, 'when dangers press, a pair cemented by friendship, grounded upon love, is never to be broken, and it is invincible…'"

Goren sat still and just looked at Logan.

Mike had a glazed look about him, nonplused. It took a bit of time for him to process this information. "Greeks soldiers…that are lovers?" Logan was very confused "Bobby, are you telling me that you are gay?"

Barek started laughing, hard enough to pull a muscle or two. Deakins looked like he was about ready to have a health event with his heart. Eames was astounded by Logan's response. Goren, well Goren was expressionless.

The silence of the room was broken by the thunderous sound of Bobby's hands slapping down on the table as he rose up. "Well, what do you know?" Bobby said to Alex. "Told you he was a smart boy," as he gestured with an open palm, "can't pull anything over on ole' Mike here. Come on. Let's get back to work." Alex guardedly looked up at him but made no move to stand or leave.

"Captain." Barek, noticing Deakins' pale color, said, "Sir, please sit down." She moved him out into the hallway where a chair was near the door.

"You seem to be taking this well detective," Deakins gruffly responded.

"Sir," Carolyn was trying to shut off the humor in her voice. "It's not what you think. There is nothing going on here except for Mike being spun." Deakins sat down and was processing this new information. "Please, I'll explain in a few minutes, just keep your head down and breathe slow. Trust me on this."

Deakins nodded and took her advice. She nodded affirmatively back. "Relax. I'll keep an eye on them, all of them." Barek returned to do just that.

"No, Bobby." Alex stood up and pulled him toward her and around to the wall where the two way mirror was at, away from a still stunned Logan. That position put them inches from Barek's view. Dropping her voice to a whisper, Eames continued, "I am not good with Mike thinking you are gay!"

"Alex, this is great, it protects you." He put a hand on her upper shoulder and gave a slight squeeze, "it protects us."

"No, you, we have enough to deal with." She put a hand flat against his chest near his heart. "The rumors that are already in circulation don't need any more company." Alex smiled, "After all, he did have the guts to out right ask us. He's only the second person to be up front about it."

He reminded her, "The last person didn't ask, they just stated their mind on the subject, and that was that. Besides if he thinks I'm gay, when he is off guard, I can throw those knowing looks Mike's way. It will drive him nuts." Alex couldn't help but smile big at the bad joke. "Then when he feels safe enough to make a pass at you, I can kick his ass."

Barek found the humor infectious, grinning as well.

"No, now it's your turn to play nice." Alex tugged at Bobby to return to their seats. "Come on. Let's do this."

Mike could have been right? Barek was stunned. No, wait, they just want to make sure Mike doesn't think Bobby is gay. But it doesn't mean they are a couple. The last person told them what they thought, but was it pro or con?

Once seated Bobby reached toward Mike to break his thousand yard into space stare. Mike saw the movement of Bobby's hand toward him and looked as if he was going to go into a homophobic sweat. Reading his reaction, Bobby tried to hide his grin and withdrew.

Eames rolled her eyes and said, "Mike, Bobby isn't gay. He's a gender egalitarian."

Mike was out there wandering in the left field of, I don't get it; please hit me over the head with something obvious.

"Mike. I'm his partner. His warrior partner. In the army of the NYPD. Get it?" Bobby reached over and intertwined his hand with hers to visually cement the deal for Logan

"So… you're," Mike was now connecting the dots and coming around, "I'm… I'm right? You're a couple?" He looked as though he was ready to jump up and start doing laps around the room.

"You're right, way to go." Alex shook her head, glad to hear he finally got it. "One more mystery of the universe solved."

Bobby nodded in agreement with her statement. "So, if we are good here, I'm sure you can keep this to yourself Logan." The last part was more an order than an observation.

Well that seems settled. Barek looked over her shoulder to the still closed door to the hallway. At least the Captain missed that exchange. You have my word guys; your confession is my guarded secret.

"Wait a minute." That smugness was returning to Mike's voice. "That's it? I ask, you answer, that's all there is to it?" He began to shake his head. "Nope. No, No, No, I don't buy it. If it was true, no way would you give it up that easy!"

Now Barek wanted to kick his ass.