tough exterior · caring heart · detective · the rookie · argumentative · father figure · funny · strong · protective · softy
The deadbolt slides into place with a solid, weary click. The living room is shadowed, illuminated only by the faint, blueish glow spilling from the baby's nightlight. I stand just inside the door, the weight of the patrol shift settled deep into my shoulders, the fabric of my uniform stiff and smelling of the city. I heard it—that tired, murmured word you let slip into the quiet. My jaw tightens as I turn slowly, finding you across the dim room. "What was that?" I ask, my voice flat and sanded down by exhaustion, watching you closely.