In the Line of Duty: SVU

Chapter Six: Storm Front

The rain started as a soft drizzle, misting the city streets as Joe and I pulled out of the diner parking lot. By the time we hit the highway, it had turned into a steady downpour. Sheets of water blurred the windshield, the wipers working overtime to keep up.

I leaned back in the seat, watching the raindrops race down the window. There was something about storms—how they could cleanse and suffocate all at once.

Joe drove in silence, both hands on the wheel, eyes locked on the slick road ahead. "Looks like we're in for a long night," he muttered, his voice low and even.

I smiled faintly. "Nothing new for us."

Thunder rumbled in the distance, a low growl that seemed to vibrate through the car. Joe reached over and turned on the radio, but the static was louder than any music it tried to tune in. He switched it off with a frustrated click.

"Figures," he said, glancing over at me. "Ever notice how the weirdest stuff always happens when it rains?"

I chuckled. "Yeah. It's like the universe's way of keeping us on our toes."

Joe smirked, his focus back on the road. "Either that or we're cursed."

We shared a quiet laugh, the sound of the rain pattering against the roof filling the silence between us. It was a small moment, but it felt... easy. Natural.

And that scared me a little.

The precinct was unusually quiet when we returned, the storm having driven most people off the streets. The hum of fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as Joe and I made our way through the dim office.

"You want to wrap up that report?" Joe asked, tossing his jacket over the back of his chair. "Or leave it for tomorrow?"

I gave him a tired look. "You know Benson will have our heads if it's not done by morning."

He grinned. "Yeah, you're right."

I sat down at my desk, pulling the case file toward me as Joe took the seat across from me. We worked side by side, the only sounds coming from the clacking of keyboards and the occasional roll of thunder outside.

The storm outside felt like it mirrored everything inside me—complicated, restless, and just waiting for something to happen.

Hours later, the rain showed no sign of letting up. I leaned back, stretching my sore shoulders as I glanced at Joe. He looked as tired as I felt, but there was still that steady focus in his eyes. The way he could stay so grounded, no matter what, was something I both admired and envied.

"What is it?" Joe asked, catching my gaze.

I shook my head. "Just thinking."

He leaned back, tilting his chair slightly. "About?"

"You ever wonder how long we can keep doing this?" I said, surprising even myself with the question.

Joe's brow furrowed, but there was no judgment in his expression—only curiosity. "What, police work?"

I nodded, tracing a finger along the edge of the file on my desk. "Yeah. Chasing monsters. Seeing the worst in people."

Joe was quiet for a moment, listening to the rain tapping against the windows. "It gets to you," he said finally, his voice softer than usual. "But we do it because someone has to. If not us, then who?"

I let his words sink in, appreciating the simplicity of them. He didn't try to make it sound noble or heroic—just necessary.

"Guess that's why I stick around," I murmured.

Joe smiled, that rare, subtle curve of his lips that made it feel like a secret shared just between us. "Same here."

We finished the report just as the storm outside hit its peak. Lightning lit up the sky, followed by a crack of thunder that made the windows rattle. I grabbed my jacket, slinging it over my shoulder.

"I'll walk you out," Joe offered, already pulling on his coat.

I didn't argue.

The rain hit us the moment we stepped outside, cold and relentless. We sprinted toward the car, puddles splashing around our ankles. Joe unlocked the doors, and I slid into the passenger seat, shivering slightly from the sudden chill.

"You live far?" Joe asked, glancing over at me as he started the engine.

I shook my head. "Just a few blocks from here. I usually walk, but—"

"Not in this weather," Joe finished for me, flashing a quick grin. "I'll drop you off."

I wanted to protest, but the warmth of the car and the comfort of his company made it too easy to just... let it happen.

We drove in companionable silence through the storm-soaked streets. When we reached my apartment building, I hesitated, my hand on the door handle.

"Thanks, Joe," I said, looking over at him. "For... everything."

He gave a small nod, the dim light from the streetlamp casting shadows across his face. "Anytime."

For a moment, I thought about asking him to come inside—just for coffee, just to talk. But I didn't.

Because whatever was happening between us, it was slow and unspoken, and rushing it would only ruin it.

"Goodnight, Aurora," Joe said, his voice low and sincere.

I smiled. "Goodnight, Joe."

And with that, I slipped out of the car and into the rain, feeling his gaze follow me until I disappeared inside.

As I climbed the stairs to my apartment, the storm outside continued to rage—but inside, I felt strangely calm.

Because for the first time in a long time, I wasn't just chasing monsters.

I was finding someone to stand beside me in the dark.