Their week at work was an uneventful one, consisting of only a few minor search and seizures as the high points. They were both glad to spend their Friday evening relaxing.

Tim leaned against the wall of the shower, letting the hot water work the stiffness from his back.

Tim knew their assignments so far had been simple. He thought about how well he and Cat worked together. Cat seemed to always know exactly what he needed her to do, without a word. He smiled as he thought how much he had come to enjoy her company.

Tim's thoughts were interrupted by the telephone ringing.

"Cat! Get that!" Tim yelled from the shower.

Cat dutifully ran over to the ringing phone beside Tim's bed and picked up the receiver. "Hello," she said cheerfully.

"Hello?" came a confused reply. "I was trying to reach Tim Grady, but I must have the wrong number."

"He's here," Cat assured. "Who's calling?"

"This is Alicia, his girlfriend," she replied, emphasizing her relationship to the unfamiliar feminine voice of Cat.

"Just a minute," Cat said before covering the phone with her hand. "Officer Grady, it's your girlfriend," she said using the same emphasis Alicia used.

On the other end of the phone, Alicia bristled upon hearing the woman that answered making fun of her.

Tim took the phone from Cat. "Hi, how was your trip?"

"Who was that woman?" Alicia demanded.

"My new partner," Tim replied as he looked into Cat's eyes and smiled.

Tim's answer left Alicia confused. "You're not working with dogs anymore?"

Tim's jaw clenched a little from the way Alicia had said dogs. He didn't know how anyone couldn't enjoy the companionship of dogs. "Not exactly," he said.

Cat smiled as she turned to leave. Before walking away, she grabbed the end of Tim's towel and headed down the hall.

"Hey!" Tim yelled as he hid behind his bedroom door.

"What's going on there?" Alicia asked, her voice hinting jealousy.

"Goodnight, Sir," Cat said, giggling mischievously as she slung the towel over her shoulder and continued walking into her room without ever looking back.

"Just a victim of dog-humor, I think," Tim said as he began to chuckle at Cat's prank.

"Is she spending the night there? I don't like the idea of another woman sleeping at your place."

"Trust me, it's nothing like that," Tim grinned before asking. "Are you home?"

Tim already knew her answer — she was home — she never bothered to call him while she was away.

Being a police officer was hard enough on relationships. The sometimes odd hours, and the worry he had put his past girlfriends through. Alicia's aloofness seemed like a good thing at the time. He thought it might keep her from being overly concerned. Instead he wondered at times if she ever cared at all. Her self-centered ways weren't something he had noticed at first, attributing them to her being an independent businesswoman.

"Yes. I just got in earlier," Alicia said with a tired sigh.

"I'm glad. We're having a little office picnic this Sunday. I was hoping you could show up. It would be nice if you could meet some of my coworkers and their families."

"I don't know. I'll think about it," she said without enthusiasm.

"Well, I hope you can make it. It would mean a lot to me," Tim said hopefully.

"No promises about the picnic," Alicia said. "Though I will come over that night."

Cat listened quietly in her room, waiting for Tim to go to sleep so she could slip in to her usual spot. She heard him hang up the phone and head out to the living room. She got up and peeked out of her room. She could see Tim sitting on the couch, deep in thought.

Cat thought he looked a little sad which made her feel the same. She walked out and sat beside him on the couch. She turned her head briefly to look at him, then back to looking forward again.

Tim glanced over at Cat, wondering what she was up to.

Cat slowly leaned towards Tim keeping her eyes focused ahead. Slowly as if falling in slow motion, eventually bumping her head on his shoulder.

"What are you doing?" Tim asked.

Cat leaned forward enough to flop onto her back and lay her head him Tim's lap. She looked up at him, giving him her lopsided grin. "Trying to make you smile."

Tim broke into a smile. "You do," he said, scratching the top of her head.

Cat gave a satisfied smile and closed her eyes as Tim's finger began to trace the contrasting patterns in her fur along her head and muzzle. His finger trailed down to her nose where he gently pinched her nostrils together.

Cat mocked a snarl, her teeth clacking together as she snapped at the air where Tim's fingers had been a moment earlier.

Tim laughed at the vicious GESA in his lap. "Okay. Bedtime."

Cat sat upright to let Tim stand. She followed him to the bedrooms, stopping at the door to her own.

"Sir?"

Tim turned and walked back to Cat. "Yes?" he said, stretching a little.

Cat took advantage of his outstretched arms and quickly threw her arms around Tim, hugging him tightly.

"Hey," Tim exclaimed, her action surprising him because she had never initiated contact between them before. His first reaction was to pull away, but found himself giving in, putting his arms around her and hugging her back.

"Don't be sad," Cat said over Tim's shoulder where her head rested against his neck.

"I'm not," Tim said, giving her a squeeze. "Just a little disappointed," he added softly as he buried his nose in her furry neck for a moment. He marveled at the softness of her fur. He felt her hug him a little tighter, silently offering her support. "I'm fine. Now go to bed."

Cat obediently broke their embrace. Her fingers trailed down Tim's arm as she pulled away, attempting to prolong their contact as long as possible. "Goodnight, Sir," she said as she backed into her room and closed her door, peeking through the crack until the door was completely closed.

Tim and Cat slept in late Saturday, the dark rainy day offering no incentive to get up. They eventually dragged themselves out of bed. Tim spent his time reading the newspaper while Cat read and wrote in her books.

Later in the afternoon Tim walked by Cat's room and noticed her looking out the open window. She sat on the floor, her head leaning against her arm as she rested it on the sill.

"Hey, partner, why so sad?"

She turned to give Tim a lopsided smile. "I'm not sad. I'm enjoying the storm."

Tim walked in and sat beside her. He folded his arms on the sill beside Cat and rested his chin on top.

"Not much of a view," he said while looking out into the rain.

"I enjoy the smell."

Tim smiled. "I've always enjoyed the sound of falling rain."

"I hope it stops by tomorrow," Cat said softly. "Will we get to play at the park tomorrow?"

Tim chuckled. "Yes, we'll play. There will be plenty of games for dogs and handlers. Even a match of flag-football, rules adjusted for the four-legged players, naturally."

"Sounds fun," Cat replied with an excited grin.

Tim sat silently next to Cat for awhile. He tilted his head to look at her.

Cat's eyes were closed and her lips formed a relaxed smile. Her nose twitched slightly with each cool breeze that came through the window.

Tim studied her features closely. Human or canine, he still couldn't decide which category she was closer to fitting in. She might have had a more canine appearance, but if you spoke with her, without the benefit of sight, you would never know she had a muzzle and was covered in fur.

Officially, she was a canine. Though, the more time Tim spent with Cat, the less she seemed to fit the mold Deeks had cast her in. On the job, she was an excellent partner. Tim was glad he had asked Deeks to allow him to let her stay with him while off duty. Seeing Cat have the chance to express her personality, was gratifying and sometimes surprising.

Her hug the previous night had certainly been a surprise, but pleasant. Tim knew she had only wanted to comfort him, and she succeeded. Her fur was soft like a puppy's, so very warm and inviting, he couldn't help returning her hug. The fact that her action was out of concern for him made it feel even more special; it felt nice to know someone cared about his feelings.

He appreciated Cat's companionship, but sometimes he wondered what was going on behind those bright blue eyes. After breaking their embrace, Cat slipped into her room in a manner that seemed almost sensual. The way she tried to maintain contact as long as possible; first with her fingers along his arm, then with her eyes watching him until the last instant the door closed. Sometimes she could be very puzzling.

Cat's ear flicked as a distant rumbling of thunder reached them. She turned her head in Tim's direction. As her eyes made contact with Tim's, her cheeks pulled back slightly, widening her smile.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Cat asked.

"I'm just wondering what your think about."

She continued to look silently into Tim's eyes as she thought of what to say.

"I think about how nice you treat me. I think I am lucky to be your partner."

"Well, I feel pretty lucky to have you as a partner too. After all, you did save my life once already."

"I was just doing what I was trained for," Cat said modestly.

Tim turned his attention back out the window. He closed his eyes while taking a deep breath of the cool, damp air. Likewise, Cat also rested her head back on her arms. They both exhaled, sighing together.

Tim chuckled as he leaned over and nudged Cat with his shoulder.

Cat playfully rammed back against Tim. They bumped back and forth a few times before Cat called a truce by not nudging back. She remained silent as Tim nudged her one last time to try and lure her back to playing their game.

"Can I ask you something?" Cat asked, hesitantly.

"You should know, by now, that you can ask me anything."

Cat continued to stare out the window. "Why do you treat me like you do?"

Tim was slightly confused by her question. "What do you mean?"

"I'm a dog, but you treat me..." Cat started to say, but paused as if afraid to continue.

Tim finished for her, "like any other human."

Cat nodded, agreeing with what Tim had said.

"I don't mean to cause you confusion. I'm sure Doctor Deeks wouldn't approve of some of the liberties I've allowed you. But I can't, in good conscience, treat you any less than I have been."

"Why?"

Tim thought for a moment. "It's hard for me to ignore your human side. We communicate at a higher level than I could with the other dogs I've worked with. I'd like to think that you see me as your partner and a friend instead of your handler."

Cat looked down. "I've never had a friend."

"Well, a friend is someone you like and someone your trust." Tim smiled. "I like having you as a partner and I trust you, so I guess that means I consider you a friend."

Cat looked at Tim with a wide smile. She leaned close and licked his cheek. "Thank you, my friend."

Tim and Cat awoke to a sunny Sunday morning after spending a lazy Saturday together. Tim fixed them a light breakfast before they got ready to go to the picnic.

They arrived at the park just after most of the other officers and their families. His coworkers had become used to seeing Cat, but for their families it was their first time seeing any form of GESA, much less one as unique as Cat.

Tim noticed most of the adults talked to Cat as if she were a person. The few that unintentionally talked down to her quickly discovered that there was more to Cat then her being a canine GESA.

As usual, Cat attracted children like a magnet. She thoroughly enjoyed them all.

Tim smiled as he caught sight of Cat carrying Mark's daughter on her shoulders over to Mark and his wife. Mark lifted his daughter off Cat and handed her over to his wife. Afterward Mark led Cat over to where Tim was standing.

"Come on, Tim. The game is about to start," Mark told him.

All Cat needed to hear was Mark mentioning a game and she was ready to jump right in. Tim could tell by the sparkle in Cat's eyes that she wanted him to play too.

"Okay, guys," Tim said walking between them and throwing an arm over each of their shoulders.

The game was a simple one, based loosely off of football but simplified for the officers and their dogs. They set up a single goal line near where the other family members were gathered to watch. Since the dogs couldn't tackle, each officer tucked two strips of police barricade tape in their waist to serve as flags for them to grab.

Brenda acted as the referee and began assigning teams. As the teams were divided, they realized there was an odd number of players. Someone suggested splitting up Cat and Tim, since Cat could play as good as one of the officers. Mark took Cat on his team and pulled her aside to explain the rules.

"Okay Cat, since this is your first time, here are the rules," Mark began to explain as he gave Cat two strips of barricade tape. "Each team tries to get the football across the goal. Dog or human can carry it across. You can grab a dogs harness or tackle a person if they have the ball. If you have the ball, you can be tackled or the dogs can grab one of your flags. Questions?"

"What do we get if we win?" Cat asked out of curiosity.

"There's no official prize, but the losers usually buy the winners a round of donuts."

"Yum," Cat said with a smile that caused Mark to laugh.

"Let's go. You be sure to keep close to Tim and get him when he gets the ball."

Cat nodded as they went and joined the rest of their team.

The game turned out to be just as entertaining as it always had been. The dogs loved giving chase, snapping after the yellow tape fluttering behind the person running for the goal.

Tim caught the ball and headed for the goal. It was clear in his sight, then all he saw was sky and Cat hovering above him.

"Got ya," she said proudly before bounding off with the ball, gone as fast as she had appeared.

The game progressed, the score stayed even as both teams scored frequently. Mark tossed the ball to Cat as she headed for the goal.

Tim saw his chance to get Cat for tackling him earlier. He ran up behind her and prepared to tackle. He dove and grabbed nothing but ground. Tim didn't know how he could have missed her.

Cat spun around and smiled back at Tim just as one of the dogs grabbed her flag.

"Way to dodge, Cat," someone called from the spectators.

Cat gave them a little wave. She tossed the ball on the ground and went to help Tim up.

It was the final round of the game with Mark's team in the lead. Tim was passed the ball and he bolted for the goal without looking back. He felt a pair of furry arms wrap around his waist and pull him sideways as the ground disappeared from beneath his feet.

Tim found himself on his back again, this time with Cat sitting on his stomach as she held the ball up and the families of the winning team cheered.

Cat looked down at Tim, smiling her lopsided smile as her eyes met his. "I like the powdered ones, Sir," she said as she leaned forward and gave him a big lick from his nose to his forehead.

"Yeah, yeah. Get off me, you lump," Tim teased.

Cat squinted in amusement. "I'm thirsty. May I get a drink?"

"You don't have to ask. Go help yourself," Tim told her.

"Would you like something?" Cat offered with an eager smile.

"Anything cold would be fine," Tim said, smiling at Cat's thoughtful gesture. "Thanks."

Cat headed off to get them something to drink while Tim shuffled his aching body over to a picnic table to have a rest.

Brenda came over and sat with Tim. "You okay, Tim?"

"I'm fine, just a little sore," he replied while stretching his back. "Cat sure can tackle."

Cat returned with a soda for Tim and a bottle of water for herself. "Here you go, Sir," she said as she handed Tim his drink.

"Thanks, partner," Tim said, as their eyes met causing them to smile a little wider at each other. Tim jerked his thumb towards a group of children that were keeping an eye on Cat. "Go on and play with your fans for awhile."

Cat smiled and nodded before heading off toward towards the children.

"Looks like you have a new best friend," Brenda told Tim.

"You think so?"

Brenda nodded. "She adores you. I can tell the way she talks about the things you've done for her, like giving her a room of her own and the way you treat her. I know she really appreciates it."

Tim chuckled. "She is a sweetheart. She really has such a gentle personality. It makes me feel good to see her happy."

Brenda watched Cat playing tag with the group of children. "I see Cat is enjoying herself with those children," she said before turning to Tim. "But you look troubled. Alicia was a no-show?"

"Cat does love kids," Tim said before huffing softly. "Yeah. I guess Alicia was too busy."

Brenda frowned. "If you're not happy, why don't you just end it?"

"I don't know." Tim was silent for a moment. "I guess I don't want to go through finding someone else right now."

Brenda nodded in understanding. After a silent moment she began to chuckle.

"What?" Tim asked.

"I was just thinking. Maybe you could ask the doctor that worked on Cat to give Alicia a shot of whatever gave Cat such a sweet personality."

Tim started to laugh as Cat came running up to them.

"Officer Grady, come play," Cat said excitedly as she took Tim's hand and pulled him to his feet.

Tim looked back over his shoulder. "You're right Brenda, that shot would be nice."

Eventually the other families began to leave. Tim and Cat said their goodbyes before they too headed for home. When they arrived at Tim's house, Alicia's car was in the driveway.

Tim walked through the door and found Alicia waiting.

"Who have you been letting stay in your spare room?" Alicia said suspiciously.

"My partner, Cat," Tim said as Cat walked in silently behind Alicia.

"Hi," Cat said brightly, startling Alicia. "You must be Alicia. I'm Cat," she said, offering her hand to the woman staring at her.

Alicia ignored Cat's hand, looking back and forth between Cat and Tim. "That's your new partner?"

"Yep," Tim said proudly, causing Cat to squint a little as her smile widened. "She's already saved me once."

Cat's hand returned to her side as she looked to Tim. "Is there anything you would like me to do before I go to bed, Sir?"

"No, thanks," Tim said warmly.

"I'm going to go wash up then," Cat said, tired from the day's events. "Goodnight, Sir. Goodnight, Miss Alicia."

Cat went off to her room. As she entered her room she noticed many of her belongings were slightly out of place. Her bag had been gone through, the contents removed and shoved haphazardly back inside. She could smell Alicia's scent on them. Cat bristled, the fur raising on her neck at the feeling of violation. Officer Grady had never gone through her things, and he had the most right to. They were her things and Alicia had no right touching them.

Cat stomped out to the livingroom and approached Tim and Alicia where they sat on the couch.

Tim looked up and smiled a little before noticing Cat's serious expression.

"Alicia," Cat said firmly, waiting for Alicia to make eye contact with her. "If you need something in my room, please ask next time before rifling my belongings."

Tim was doubly surprised. He had never seen Cat speak so boldly and he never would have thought that Alicia would ever do anything that inconsiderate.

"Goodnight, Sir," she said before turning and heading back to her room before anyone could reply.

"Uppity little thing, isn't it," Alicia commented.

"You went through her things before we got home? Why?"

"I was just curious," Alicia said sweetly. "Besides, she's just a dog. Genetically altered, but not human."

"I know you aren't an animal lover, but Cat is much more than a dog. I hope you can get along with her."

Cat had a restless night. She wished she could sneak into Tim's room, but with Alicia there, she didn't think it would be a good idea.

Cat got up early and decided she would make Tim and Alicia breakfast before going off to work. She enjoyed doing little things for Tim, but she also hoped it might smooth over her encounter with Alicia last night. She though Alicia probably didn't mean to offend her, she was probably just curious about the changes to Tim's house.

Cat looked at the clock and noticed it was past the time Tim should be getting up. She didn't want them to be late for work and was about to wake him when he came out of his bedroom.

Tim walked slowly and stiffly towards the bathroom. He saw Cat watching him. "No work today, partner. I called in sick. I think I hurt my back playing football yesterday."

Cat rushed over to his side. "Are you okay, Sir?" she asked with a worried expression.

"I can manage," Tim said, smiling at how Cat was always so concerned about his wellbeing. "Hey, what smells good?"

Cat grinned at his compliment. "Waffles, Sir. I made us and Alicia breakfast."

"Thanks, Cat, that was nice of you. I'll bring her out as soon as I get some pain-killers." Tim noticed she was still looking at him with worry. "I'll be fine. Now scoot."

Cat went back to the kitchen and waited for Tim and Alicia. They came out a few minutes later and seated themselves. Cat gave Alicia a friendly smile, attempting to start out on a better foot with her. Alicia forced a fake smile that lasted only a second.

"Looks good too," Tim said, making a small fuss. "When did you learn to start cooking?"

"I just read the instructions on the box," Cat said modestly.

"Tastes better than I make," Tim said. "What's your secret recipe?"

Cat's lopsided grin spread across her muzzle. "I ground up a little milkbone in the mix."

Tim recognized Cat's grin and knew she was teasing. He looked at Alicia and started to laugh; the appalled expression on her face was priceless. "She's kidding," Tim told Alicia before the joke got to far.

As Cat ate, she listened to Alicia talking about her work as a photographer in the fashion industry. Cat thought it sounded like a frivolous industry, so much money wasted on clothing. It didn't seem as noble as the job of a public servant.

Cat started cleaning up after they finished breakfast. Tim stretched out on the couch while Alicia when into the bathroom to shower.

Cat was surprised to see Alicia return and tell Tim she was going out shopping. Cat frowned as she felt a little angry that Alicia seemed to show no concern for Tim and his condition. She growled softly to herself as Alicia left.

She finished the dishes and a few other chores before heading into the livingroom with Tim and watching some television.

"Time for some more medicine," Tim said as he started to get up from the couch.

"Stay," Cat said sternly before starting to giggle. "I never thought I'd get to say that to my Officer. I'll get it for you."

Tim laughed back. "Okay. Thanks."

Cat hurried off to the bathroom and the kitchen before returning to Tim with his medicine and a glass of water. "Here, Sir."

Tim took the pills and washed them down. "Thanks."

Cat took the glass away and returned to stand behind Tim. She placed her hands on his shoulders, startling him as she began to work her fingertips into his neck muscles.

"Hey. What are you doing?" Tim asked as he closed his eyes.

"Trying to make you feel better, my friend." Cat said softly as she kneaded his shoulders and neck.

Tim grinned, both from the pleasant feeling of her fingers and the way she called him her friend. "You are."

"Would you mind stretching out on the floor?" Cat asked.

Tim got up and dropped to his knees, lowering himself with a groan as his back tightened. He heard Cat move around behind him and felt her knees on either side of his hips as she straddled him. He felt her rest her weight on the back of his thighs as her hands resumed gently massaging his shoulders.

Cat's hands moved lower, slowly working her way down his spine. Her fingers digging into his muscles.

"And where did you learn this?" Tim asked. "More reading?"

"Of course," Cat replied cheerfully.

Tim lead out a pleased moan as Cat worked on his lower back. "Damn that feels good. You have strong fingers, Cat."

Cat smiled, happy with Tim's satisfaction. "You have a strong back," she said absently as she wondered why she found it so appealing. She slipped her hands under Tim's shirt and continued kneading his muscles while enjoying the smoothness of his skin.

Tim jumped a little as Cat's hands slipped under his shirt. Her hands felt warm and soft as she continued his massage. Tim's mind raced over whether or not he should be letting Cat touch him in that manner. He tried to think of a way to tell her to stop without making her feel she had done something wrong.

"You know, Alicia might get jealous if she saw you doing this," he said as he felt Cat's hands move down his sides, slipping under his arms and around his chest. He could feel her breasts pressing into his back as she laid her muzzle over his shoulder. He realized he was becoming aroused as he felt Cat's body against his and her breath in his ear. "Cat," he said nervously before she cut him off.

"Alicia should be doing this for you," she said softly. "Relax, Sir. Just relax and let me take care of you."

Tim found relaxing impossible at the moment. He felt her weight disappear from his back. Her hands beneath his chest began lifting him as she began to pull away from him, pulling his shoulders back.

"Hey," he started to complain as Cat forced his back to arch and he felt like he was going to snap in two.

His spine popped three times before Cat laid him back on his chest. She began massaging his lower back again until she felt his muscles loosen a little more.

"How is that, Sir?" Cat asked as she moved to sit on the couch.

Tim rolled over and sat up. "Much better," he said, surprised not to feel any pain. He got up and sat beside her. "Thank you."

Cat smiled before leaning close, giving his cheek a lick before hopping up and heading off to her room.

Tim watched her head down the hallway with a joyful spring in her step.

Tim laid back on the couch and stared up at the ceiling. He felt completely foolish for thinking Cat was somehow coming on to him. He tried to forget about it, but the way she had hugged him the other night revisited his thoughts. He rolled onto his side, facing the back of the couch. "What does she feel?" he said to himself as he hoped a nap would clear his thoughts.