A Night to Remember:

Chapter 1:

It was a typical afternoon on the 11th Floor of One Police Plaza. The Major Case squad room bustled with the usual clamour – phones ringing, keyboards clattering, detectives engaging in hurried conversation – but all of it seemed to fade into the background for Alex as she lingered at the edge of the bullpen, her fingers tapping nervously on the doorframe as she watched her partner. Bobby was sifting through their latest case file while his mind worked at its usual mercurial pace. She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and made her way to her partner's desk. Bobby glanced up from his file briefly, sensing that she had something on her mind. She approached him with a small smile skimming her lips then perched herself on the corner of his desk to face him.

"Bobby," she began, her voice a touch softer than usual, breaking the silence between them. He looked up at her from the file he was meticulously combing through, a curious look in his eyes. "Can I ask you something?" Bobby leaned back in his chair, incredulous curiosity colouring his gaze. He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What's on your mind?" Bobby replied, eyes fixating on her with curiosity.

With a deep breath, she took another moment to gather her courage and steady herself before diving in. "My high school reunion is this weekend—25th if you can believe it." Alex began, feeling slightly foolish for being so anxious about this. "And I need a date, and I was wondering if you'd come with me… you know, as my plus one," she said quickly, holding her breath for his reply.

Goren looked at her stunned, he blinked, completely taken aback. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as he considered her request. Bobby's eyes widened as he asked, "You want me to go to your high school reunion?" Before he could put up further protest, Alex continued. "Please, Bobby. Everyone's bringing someone, and I don't want to deal with all the questions and pity faces. I really don't want to go alone. People will be there… old friends… some I'd rather not face by myself." Alex pleaded, an endearing softness in her face and voice that Bobby rarely saw. "Please, Bobby. It would really mean a lot to me. I don't want to be the only one there without someone, and I trust you. You're not just my partner; you're my friend." She knew she sounded like she was whining, but she really wanted to go. She also didn't want to go alone, but she also didn't want to go with just anyone; she wanted to go with Bobby. She wanted to show off her handsome, charming partner. She was also looking forward to using dancing as an excuse to have his large frame wrapped around her – a place she'd found herself thinking a lot about lately, wondering if it would feel as warm and safe as she'd imagined. "I know it's outside your comfort zone, but who knows? You might even have fun! I know I'll have more fun with you than without you." She tacked on, hoping the guilt would sway him.

Bobby hesitated, his mind flashing back to countless social gatherings he'd managed to sidestep over the years. His instinct to shy away from social gatherings and avoid uncomfortable situations battled with the desire to help his partner. "I…I don't know, Eames. I mean, I wouldn't fit in there. It's not my scene."

Alex's face fell, trying to mask the pang of disappointment. "It's okay, Bobby. I shouldn't have asked. You're right, it's a lot. Don't worry about it."

Goren watched her retreat to her desk, sighing heavily. The mere thought of mingling with people he didn't know—or even worse, people who might judge Alex—was daunting. But seeing the sliver of vulnerability in Alex's typically strong demeanour touched him in a way he couldn't ignore. The image of Alex navigating through a night of awkward small talk and social jockeying alone seemed unfair. He weighed his decision thoroughly.

Later that evening, as Goren was about to leave, he approached Alex's desk. She looked up at him and raised an eyebrow. He rubbed the back of his neck and studied her for a moment, her long hair framing her face. "Alright, I'll go. But only because it's you," he said quietly, almost hoping she hadn't heard him so he could take it back. Her eyes lit up with gratitude. An elated smile immediately lit up Alex's face. "Thanks, Bobby. You're the best."

End Chapter 1