Mark had been working alongside you for years. It had all started whenever he'd gotten stuck with the rookie back at the Hollywood Division in the LAPD. It seemed like anytime his usual partner was out, you'd be the one sitting beside him. It had broken his heart whenever you'd transferred to undercover work full time. However, the two of you were often paired up when possible on undercover assignments. You saw more of Mark than your friends.

You knew him well, that much was true.

That's why his recent behavior had been confusing to you. He seemed to get these odd headaches throughout the day. They hadn't worried you at first. But, they seemed to be more frequent than usual. He claimed that he'd went to a doctor for it, and that everything was fine. You had no reason to believe otherwise.

You saw his eyes squeeze shut from across the room. His hand pressed against his forehead, as if that could make the stabbing pain go away. Your concern was at an all time high. It did feel to you like you were being too overbearing. But, Mark hadn't seemed genuinely bothered by it yet. You moved out of your desk, long legs carrying you to where he stood.

"I'm fine," he said, his voice slightly strained. "You've got work to do, I'm fine." It was hard to believe him when he looked so miserable.