Velasco and I stepped into the precinct, his arm resting securely around my waist. His grip was gentle but firm, an unspoken promise of support and connection. I couldn't help but feel a small flicker of nerves as we entered, knowing full well what kind of reaction this might draw from our colleagues. And sure enough, the moment the door closed behind us, three heads immediately snapped up.
Olivia, standing near her office, raised an eyebrow as her gaze briefly flicked to Velasco's arm around me. Fin leaned back in his chair with a smirk that screamed trouble, and Bruno—never one to pass up an opportunity—let out an exaggerated whistle.
"Well, well, look who finally made it in," Fin drawled, his grin wide as he gestured toward us. "Somebody had a good night."
Bruno couldn't resist adding, "Guess that explains why Velasco didn't come back to the precinct last night. Didn't know you were busy, Detective."
I felt my cheeks heat up, but before I could respond, Olivia's sharp voice cut through the room like a blade. "Enough," she said firmly, leveling them both with a pointed glare. "Focus on your work, gentlemen."
Fin held up his hands in mock surrender, and Bruno muttered something under his breath, but both quickly returned to their desks. Olivia shot me a quick, knowing look, the corner of her mouth lifting in the faintest hint of a smile before she disappeared into her office.
Velasco leaned in, his voice low and warm near my ear. "Ignore them," he murmured, giving my waist a gentle squeeze before releasing me.
We made our way to our respective desks, and as I sat down, I could still feel the warmth of his presence lingering. Velasco bent down slightly, brushing a quick kiss on my cheek before Olivia appeared again, holding out two case files.
"Bruno, you're with her today," Olivia said, handing me one of the files. "Meet ADA Carisi at the crime scene on East 47th. He's waiting."
I stood, glancing toward Velasco, who was already watching me. His dark eyes softened as he gave me a small, reassuring smile. And then, without hesitation, he mouthed the words, I love you.
My heart stuttered for a moment, but I managed to hold his gaze, the silent exchange filling me with a quiet confidence I hadn't felt in a long time. I smiled back, the unspoken reply clear in my expression, before turning to follow Bruno toward the exit.
As Bruno and I slid into the car, he wasted no time picking up where he left off.
"So," he said, a sly grin creeping across his face as he adjusted the rearview mirror. "Are you gonna give me the scoop, or do I have to start piecing it together like a case file?"
I rolled my eyes but couldn't suppress the small smile tugging at my lips. "Bruno, you're relentless."
"Hey, you waltzed into the precinct with Velasco holding you like a trophy," he teased, pulling onto the main road. "It's not like we're used to seeing that. Usually, the guy's all business."
"Maybe you should take a page from Olivia's book and mind your own," I shot back, crossing my arms in mock annoyance.
He chuckled, clearly amused. "Come on, I just want to know how this started. Did you make the first move? Velasco doesn't exactly scream romantic risk-taker."
I shook my head, staring out the window as the city buzzed past us. "I'm not giving you details. It's private."
Bruno glanced at me, feigning a pout. "You're no fun, Detective."
"And you're nosy," I shot back with a smirk.
The rest of the ride was filled with similar lighthearted banter, Bruno's teasing offset by his good-natured tone. By the time we arrived at Hudson University, I was more than ready to redirect my focus to the case.
The scene was set on a quiet corner of campus, where police had cordoned off an area near a cluster of benches. Sitting on one of them was a young girl, no older than nineteen, her arms wrapped tightly around herself. Beside her stood ADA Carisi and another woman, who appeared to be a campus counselor. The girl's eyes were red, her face pale, and I felt a pang of sympathy as we approached.
Carisi noticed us and straightened, walking over with his usual mix of professionalism and warmth. "Detectives," he greeted, nodding to each of us. "Thanks for getting here quickly."
"What's going on?" Bruno asked, glancing toward the girl.
Carisi let out a slow breath, his expression unusually somber. "That's my niece, Lily," he said quietly. "She called me early this morning, said something happened last night. We're still piecing it together, but..." He hesitated, his jaw tightening briefly. "She may have been assaulted."
I blinked, surprised. "Your niece?" I asked before I could stop myself. "Why are you here, though? Wouldn't SVU typically—"
Bruno nudged me lightly, giving me a warning look that I didn't entirely understand. Carisi didn't seem bothered, though.
"Normally, yes," he said, his tone measured. "But Lily asked for me specifically. I didn't want her to feel abandoned in the process. I'm here as her uncle first, ADA second."
His words carried weight, and I nodded, though I couldn't ignore the faint irritation at Bruno's reaction to my question. Without another word, I turned and made my way toward Lily, needing a moment away from whatever unspoken protocol I'd apparently stepped on.
The young girl looked up as I approached, her eyes wary but curious. I crouched down slightly to meet her gaze, offering a small, reassuring smile. "Hi, Lily," I said softly. "I'm Detective Montgomery I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing."
Her lip quivered slightly, and she looked down at her hands. "I don't know," she murmured. "Everything's... blurry. I just wanted my uncle. He always knows what to do."
My heart ached for her, and I nodded. "It's okay to feel that way. You've been through something hard, but we're all here to help. Can you tell me a little about what happened? Only what you're comfortable with."
She hesitated, glancing toward Carisi, who stood a few feet away, watching us with an expression that was equal parts worry and restraint. I caught his eye briefly, then turned my full attention back to Lily, determined to create a safe space for her to speak.
