ONE STEP FORWARD, TWO STEPS BACK

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing. Absolutely nothing. I'm just some homeless guy who found my way to a computer.

RATING: G

A/N: I really should be working on my other stories, but I can't be bothered. Haven't written a 'Miami' one for a while, so if my characters are a bit off, it's just because I'm out of practice. I just watched the season 3 final (I taped it, lost the tape, and found it again. Big, long, boring story.) And hence, I felt inspired. No real pairings, just a thought piece.Hope you enjoy this.ONESHOT.

ONE STEP FORWARD, TWO STEPS BACK

It was the game they had played for months now. Always the same rules, always the same outcome.

One would take a step forward. The other, in fear of what could be, would turn in the other direction.

Two steps back.

It felt like someone, something had wedged a gap between them. Except the gap felt like a valley.

Filled with their emotions, their thoughts, their feelings, and their fears.

Could it be repaired?

Probably.

But the real question here is would they risk baring their soul to the other. Risk opening their hearts only to become vulnerable to the inevitable hurt and pain.

Not a chance.

Instead, they tried to avoid the unavoidable. Their friendship was defined by the awkward silences, the stilted conversation and the snatched glances into one another's eyes.

It was strange how someone's eyes could convey so much. Everything they wanted to say, but couldn't.

But that was their game: one step forward, two steps back.

Their relationship wasn't always like that. They could both remember back to a time where there wasn't any nervousness.

The silences were comfortable and the conversations flowed with ease. There was no reason to stare into the others eyes.

If they could pin point the moment everything changed, that would be no challenge.

The challenge was admitting that things had changed, instead of hiding behind their security blanket of denial.

In comparison, it's easier to accept that someone's gone, than to accept that things had changed.

Easier to live in a 'fool's paradise', than to address the situation.

For it was him who had introduced them. He was what they had in common.

In life, he brought them together. In death he dragged them apart.

In their hearts they knew something had to be done, something had to be said. Before their relationship became irreparable. But their minds over-analyse things, a curse of the job, and the consequences were ones neither wanted to face.

It was a tragedy that should have united them, but instead made them strangers.

One step forward, two steps back.

Now, the game they played privately, they were playing for real.

"It's too hollow," Calleigh said intently, as Eric cockedyet anothergun.

One of the weapons would be close, the next way off.

Something had to be said. They both knew this, but sometimes things aren't as easy as they sound.

They looked at each other, and for that split second someone made a move.

"Cal, I – "

"Not enough clicks." Calleigh interrupted, breaking their gaze.

Neither was particularly surprised. It was the same game, the same rules, and the same outcome.

One step forward, two steps back.