Title: Eight Weeks
Author: Debb
Rating: G
Show/Pairing: LOCI B/A
Synopsis: Alex observes her partner interacting with her replacement
Disclaimer: If Dick wanted to sue me, I don't think adding this line would really help.

Bobby reached for the coroner's report, looking startled when Bishop snatched it away from him. He pressed his hands against the table, then raised one in a placating gesture he was probably only half aware of. He rubbed the back of his neck wearily. Eames smiled, keeping her eyes firmly on her paperwork. Or, at least what she could still see of it over her growing belly. Poor Bishop was afraid her new partner was going to steal "her" case right out from under her.

Eames herself didn't see how it mattered who saw the forms first, but that was inexperience for you.

"Her right arm was fractured in three places," Bishop said, looking over the report. Bobby held his hands behind his back and leaned forward to read upside-down. Like a child who'd been told not to touch anything.

Bishop read the rest of the report, grudgingly allowing her partner to hear the highlights. He rocked back on his heels, hands still clasped behind his back, simultaneously managing to convey impatience, apology, contrition, and the distinct impression that she was skipping the good parts.

Bishop glanced up. From the look on her face, it was clear she'd missed everything except the impatience. She rolled her eyes, handed him the form, and headed for the coffee machine without another word.

Bobby stared after her, then tossed the file on his desk, throwing up his hands in frustration. "What did I do now?" he appealed to Eames.

Alex began packing up her things. "She's touchy. And a little territorial. You'll just have to walk on eggshells while I'm gone." She smiled up at him. "Walk me to the elevator?"

He nodded, picking up the one box of stuff she'd decided didn't want here during her leave. "I'm going to miss you," he said disconsolately.

"I know you are," she replied, still smiling as the elevator door opened. "Dinner on wednesday?" He nodded, setting the box on the floor at her feet. "Eight weeks. I promise, it won't be that bad. At least you get to drive."

The door closed on his sigh. Alex very politely waited until the elevator was moving before she laughed.