Meet Aurora River, the newest member of the prestigious Law and Order SVU team. Despite her youth, Aurora possesses an exceptional intellect and a keen understanding of human nature. Dive into her journey as she confronts the harsh realities of crim...
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The following week passed with an air of uncertainty. Chris and I navigated our living arrangement with an unspoken agreement: we wouldn't delve into the past unless it was absolutely necessary. The precinct buzzed with cases and camaraderie, and amidst it all, Joe became my solace.
Each time we worked together, my admiration for him grew. His dedication to the job was inspiring, but it was his kindness that truly drew me in. I often caught him stealing glances my way, a smile lurking at the corners of his mouth, making it hard to focus on anything but him.
One evening after work, as we wrapped up a particularly grueling case, Joe suggested we step outside for some fresh air. The precinct was unusually quiet, the hustle of the day fading into the background.
"You've been working hard. I think you deserve a break," he said, nudging me playfully as we made our way to the rooftop.
"I could definitely use one," I replied, grateful for the chance to escape the confines of the building.
Once we reached the rooftop, the city sprawled before us, illuminated by the fading sunlight. The sky was painted with hues of orange and purple, and I took a moment to soak it all in.
"It's beautiful up here," I said, leaning against the railing, feeling the cool breeze brush against my skin.
"Just like you," Joe said, his voice soft and sincere.
My heart skipped a beat, and I turned to face him, searching his eyes for any sign of jest. But all I saw was genuine admiration.
"You're just saying that," I replied, feeling the warmth rise to my cheeks.
"No, I mean it," he said, stepping closer. "You bring something special to this team, Aurora. I've seen how hard you work, how passionate you are about what we do."
I felt my breath hitch as he spoke. The way he looked at me made my heart race, but the memory of Chris flickered at the edges of my mind. I couldn't let my past interfere with what could be a beautiful future with Joe. Instead, I opted for a safer subject.
"Thank you, Joe. That means a lot coming from you," I said, trying to maintain composure.
He smiled, and I could see a hint of vulnerability in his expression. "You know, I've been thinking..."
Before he could finish, the moment felt charged, as if the world around us faded away. The city lights twinkled beneath us, creating a cocoon of intimacy. I wanted to lean in, to bridge the gap between us, but I hesitated.
"What's on your mind?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Joe looked up at the stars, his brow furrowing slightly. "I don't know how to say this, but I feel like there's something between us. And I'd like to explore it."
My heart raced at his admission. I felt a rush of excitement mixed with fear. "I—" I began, but before I could form my thoughts, a familiar voice echoed in my mind.
"Aurora!"
I turned to see Chris emerging from the stairwell, his expression unreadable. I felt a pang of annoyance at the interruption, but I quickly masked it, not wanting to create tension in front of Joe.
"What's up?" I asked, forcing a smile.
"I wanted to talk about the rent. I found a job, and I think I can start paying my share soon," Chris said, glancing between us.
His gaze narrowed slightly as he assessed the scene before him. "Who's this?" he asked, eyeing Joe with a hint of challenge.
"This is Joe, my partner at SVU," I introduced, trying to keep my voice steady. "Joe, this is Chris."
Joe extended his hand, his expression neutral but his eyes reflecting a flicker of surprise. "Nice to meet you," he said, maintaining an air of professionalism despite the tension.
"You too," Chris replied, shaking Joe's hand firmly, but the way his eyes narrowed betrayed a sense of rivalry.
An uncomfortable silence lingered as the two men sized each other up. I felt the weight of the moment pressing down on me, the air thick with unspoken words and hidden emotions.
"So, how do you know Aurora?" Chris asked, his tone casual but laced with an underlying tension.
"We work together. I'm her partner," Joe replied smoothly, his demeanor relaxed, but I could sense the subtle defensiveness in his posture.
"Oh, just a partner, huh?" Chris said, an edge to his voice.
I caught Joe's eye, a flash of annoyance passing between us. I wanted to clear the air, but I didn't want to delve into the complexities of my past with Chris in front of him.
"We're a team," I said, trying to lighten the mood. "Joe has been a huge help with the recent cases."
"Right, just a team," Chris echoed, his tone suggesting otherwise.
Joe shifted slightly, his expression hardening as if he was aware of the underlying tension. "I should head back inside. Let me know if you need anything," he said, giving me one last lingering look before disappearing down the stairs.
Once Joe was gone, I turned to Chris, the weight of the situation settling heavily on my shoulders. "Why did you interrupt?"
"I didn't know you were having a moment," Chris replied, a hint of defensiveness creeping into his voice. "I thought it was important to let you know about the job."
"It is, but I wish you'd given me a heads-up," I said, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
"I'm sorry, Aurora. I'm just trying to make things right," he said, running a hand through his hair.
I sighed, the tension thick between us. "I appreciate that, but I need some space to think."
I stepped back, needing distance from Chris's energy that felt too familiar and confining.
"Are you still mad at me for everything?" he asked, his voice quieter now.
I hesitated, wrestling with my feelings. "I'm not mad, but it's complicated. We have to focus on living arrangements and work right now."
Chris nodded, understanding washing over his features. "Okay, I get it. Let's just take it one step at a time."
As he turned to leave, I felt the weight of my feelings for Joe press down on me again. I didn't want to get caught up in the past when the present was unfolding in front of me.
That night, I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, replaying Joe's words in my mind. I wanted to explore this connection between us, but I knew I had to navigate this complicated situation with Chris first.
The stars shone through my window, twinkling with possibilities. With a sigh, I closed my eyes, determined to find a way to move forward without the shadows of my past holding me back.
