Don't own..YADA YADA YADA

Yeah the new season is almost here. Only 22 hours to go!!

Monday morning was gray and drizzly. Alex stood looking out the window drinking her coffee. When Bobby walked up behind her, ready for work, she said, "How much do you want to bet we catch a case first thing this morning and end up being in and out, in this yuck all day?"

"Sorry, no bet here partner."

"Let's hope we still are."

"What do you mean?" Bobby was only slightly worried. He knew he hadn't done anything to make her mad lately, at least not that mad.

Alex turned around to face him before she continued. "I should have mentioned it before, but I didn't want to spoil our weekend." Taking a deep breath she continued. "Friday, after you left the interrogation room, I started to talk to Ross. I told him that I was having nightmares and that was the real reason why we were going to see Dr Olivet. After that I decided to get the rest off my chest so to speak. I know I should have discussed it with you first, but it just sort of happened. I started but he wouldn't let me finish."

"Why not? What did he say?"

"He said that we would talk about it today, all three of us. He also said not to worry about it and to enjoy the weekend."

"Huh, well I wish you would have talked to me first. I'm not mad about it, I just should have been with you so you didn't have to do it alone."

"Well since Ross put me off until today, you'll have your chance to do just that. I just hope they don't split us up."
Bobby took the coffee cup from her and set it on the counter and then pulled her into his arms and held her close. She wrapped her arms around his back and leaned her head against his chest. "Too bad we can't call in sick and just go back to bed." She said. Bobby kissed the top of her head and chuckled.

"If I didn't know better, I'd think you were chicken."

"It's a good thing you do know better or I might have to kick your butt."

"That sounds like fun. Maybe we can try that later."

Alex pulled out of his embrace and smacked him on the arm. "Funny Ace." She grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the door. "Come on then, let's go." Halfway to the door Bobby stopped suddenly. The unexpected jolt had Alex tumbling backwards. Luckily Bobby caught her before she hit the ground. When she looked up at him she asked, "What the Hell??"

"My portfolio! I can't leave without that."

"Oh no, we can't have that," she replied sarcastically. "Get it then and come on. Alex righted herself and waited for him by the door. When he returned she asked him, "Are you ready now? Do you have everything?"

Bobby made a production of patting his pockets and said, "Let's see, wallet, keys, badge, portfolio and you. Yep I got everything." They walked out the door smiling with happiness knowing that very little of their workday would be worth smiling about.

They were already at their desks working on the never ending pile of paperwork when Ross walked in. He looked at the pair and nodded towards his office. Bobby and Alex exchanged a glance and got up to follow Ross. As they entered the office Ross said, "Detectives, have a seat." Once they were all settled he continued. "Eames, you mentioned on Friday that you were having nightmares about the end of the case that had your partner undercover"

"Yes sir."

"Is this something that is going to interfere with your doing your job?"

"No sir, It hasn't so far that I am aware of, unless you have a complaint with my performance."

"Your performance has been above average as always." Ross knew he would probably regret his next question. "You also started to mention something about Bobby?"

Bobby decided to take the bull by the horns so to speak. "Captain, Detective Eames and I have been partners for over 8 years now and I want to point out our solve rate and conviction rate."

"I am aware of your successful record Goren."

"Yes well, I just wanted to make that clear to start with. We have been through some rough patches over the last couple of years, but we still get the job done. We're still the together despite the hard times."

"What is your point Detective?"

"Captain," Alex said, redirecting Ross's attention before they two men could get into a pissing contest like they have a habit of doing. "I am in love with my partner."

Both Ross and Bobby were speechless. Neither one of them expected her to be as up front and blunt about it. Ross recovered first. "I see, and your partner?"

"I wouldn't presume to speak for him but..."
"I'm in love with her too." Bobby said, finally finding his voice again.

"Of course you do." Ross sighed then continued. "I'm sure you two are aware that this situation is against NYPD policy."

"Actually, it's not having the feelings that is against policy, it's acting on them that is." Bobby said in their defense.

"Are you saying, Detective, that you two haven't acted on these feelings yet?"

Alex decided she better step in again before things got out of hand. "No, he's not. Or rather, yes we have. Captain, I know this causes a problem, but I assure you we can keep it professional. In all honesty, I have actually been in love with him for roughly seven and a half years. The fact that no one knew until now should be a testament to our professionalism."

"Two things Eames. First of all, just about the only ones who didn't know how you two felt about each other were you two. Secondly, your ability to keep it professional does not change department policy."

"I'd like to know exactly how the policy is worded." Bobby said.

"Excuse me?"

"He has a point Captain. I've never actually seen the written policy since I have never been in this position before. All Bobby and I really know is the generally accepted department line."

Ross's phone rang. "Ross..." He made some notes and then hung up the phone. "Look I will take this up the chain and see what I can do, but..."
"I know, don't get our hopes up." Bobby said.

"Exactly, now you have a case so out." He said, handing Bobby the paper he had made the notes on from the call.

As they were walking out of his office, Alex stopped and turned back to Ross. "If you knew about how we felt about each other all this time, why didn't you ever say anything or question us about it?"

"Three words. Plausible Deny ability."

Alex caught up with Bobby at the elevator. "That could have gone worse." He said.

"Yeah. What did I say earlier, it's still morning and here we are heading out into the rain."