As I returned my focus to the case file in front of me, I could feel Velasco's reassuring presence, anchoring me even as the past stirred up shadows I hadn't fully faced. Across the precinct, Fin had been observing us, his sharp detective's gaze not missing a thing. He leaned toward Bruno, his voice low but filled with a familiar hint of humor.
"You seein' what I'm seeing, or am I just getting old?" Fin asked, his eyes shifting between me and Velasco. "Think something's going on there?"
Bruno raised an eyebrow, glancing over to where Velasco and I sat, still close. "Could be," he said, his voice casual but with a hint of amusement. "Or maybe he's just... looking out for her."
Fin smirked, shaking his head. "Yeah, maybe. But that's some serious 'lookin' out,' if you ask me."
Just then, Olivia approached, her presence commanding our attention. She gave me a gentle but firm look. "Chief wants to speak with you," she said, her tone a mix of authority and understanding. I tensed slightly, mentally bracing for what this meeting might entail, but before I could even respond, Velasco stood up at the same time, his hand resting lightly on my shoulder.
"I'll go with you," Velasco said quietly, his tone leaving little room for argument. "Just to make sure you're alright."
Olivia's mouth curved into a faint smile, her eyes glancing between the two of us. She didn't comment, but there was a knowing warmth in her gaze that made me feel both reassured and slightly self-conscious. As Velasco and I made our way toward the chief's office, I could just make out Fin's voice behind us, his comment drifting through the precinct.
"Guess Velasco's takin' 'partner support' to a whole new level," he remarked, the teasing edge in his tone unmistakable.
Bruno chuckled, and I could almost feel the collective curiosity radiating from the team as Velasco and I continued down the hallway. I bit back a small smile, grateful for the camaraderie that softened the intensity of the job. Velasco, walking just a step behind, met my gaze and gave me a subtle nod, a silent promise that he'd be by my side, no matter what the meeting brought. And in that moment, surrounded by my team's quiet support, I felt more certain than ever that I could face whatever lay ahead.
As Velasco and I approached the chief's office, I felt my pulse quicken. The door was open, and standing just inside was ADA Carisi, his tall frame leaning against the edge of the desk, flipping through a file. The instant I saw him, that strange feeling of familiarity washed over me again, stronger this time. I felt Velasco's hold on my shoulder tighten slightly, his protective grip grounding me.
The chief looked up from his desk and motioned for me to come in, his expression unreadable. "Detective," he said, his voice steady, "come join us."
Velasco's hand lingered on my shoulder, and I could feel his hesitation as he let go, reluctant to leave me alone with whatever the chief and Carisi had to discuss. He pulled me aside just briefly, his hand brushing the side of my face in a comforting gesture. He leaned down, giving my forehead a small, reassuring peck that sent a surge of warmth through me. "I'll be right outside if you need anything," he murmured, his voice low and reassuring.
I nodded, giving him a grateful look, and watched as he turned and headed back down the hallway, leaving me to face the meeting on my own. As he walked back into the squad room, he passed by Fin and Bruno, who exchanged a look, their eyebrows raising at the sight of Velasco's obvious concern. Fin couldn't resist a smirk, nudging Bruno with his elbow.
"Looks like Velasco's got it bad," Fin muttered, his voice low but amused.
Bruno chuckled, shaking his head. "Guess he's gone full protective mode. Can't say I blame him."
Velasco shot them both a look as he sat down at his desk, clearly not in the mood for their teasing. But the way his gaze kept shifting back toward the chief's office said more than words could.
Meanwhile, inside the office, I took a seat across from the chief and Carisi, my nerves prickling under their watchful gazes. Whatever this was about, I knew it wasn't going to be easy. But with Velasco's quiet strength still lingering in my mind, I steadied myself, ready to face whatever questions or revelations lay ahead.
