Usual disclaimer applies.
A pair of double drabbles this time.
You
You appeared on my doorstep like a beaten puppy –shattered, but determined. You outwitted me without trying, cold reading me effortlessly. You manipulated Hannigan, Minelli and I to the point you joined the team in Hannigan's place. Hot on the scent of your revenge, you towed me along like an out of control Alsatian. Your lack of house training showed in pissing on (off) witnesses and crapping on evidence. You were arrogant, infuriating, irreverent and had no respect for boundaries.
But your enthusiasm and eagerness to please drew me in, not to mention those eyes. You looked at me and saw me. Not as a sister, cop or surrogate mom, but as a whole person. And you gave me acceptance and affection. No-one since my mother had.
You were vulnerable and I needed to protect you. You drove me mad but made me laugh. Whilst child-like and often childish, you mothered me and I let you. I saw your loyalty to family, and the extent you would go to for your own. Along the way, I began to trust you. And, in your warped and individual way, you returned that trust.
You're my best friend. And I love you.
You
When I met you, you were prim, proper and full of authority, tempered with compassion. You tried to brush me off with rules but your empathy wouldn't let you pull the rug. You felt something of my pain and, in return, I let you mother me. Cleaned up. Took an interest. You valued me, even broken. In finding an outlet for my skills, you saved me.
Mother Teresa, the fixer. You never did give up on me. I gave you many reasons but you always took me back. I never expected to care, but you wheedled beneath my defences. Your kindness. Your need to see the best in people. To protect them. Your loyalty to your own, at any and all costs. And your willingness to listen and learn. That all got to me.
So did that fiery temper, my little spitfire. You're so beautiful when you're mad.
You took my relentless ego and manipulation without being phased by it.
I let you see me. As much as I let anyone. You didn't shy away. I learned to trust and share and would defend you with my life. You're my partner and my best friend.
And I love you.