Partners In Crime (Sanders Sides AU)

Chapter 2 - A New Job

"Name?"

The 19 year old was fidgeting with his coat sleeves so much that he almost didn't hear the receptionist's question.

"Huh? Oh, uh, Virgil. Virgil Wayland."

She typed rapidly, the clicking of her nails triggering his anxiety. He bit his lip, scenario after scenario playing through his head, all ending badly.

Was he supposed to come in today?

What if his first day was tomorrow?

What if he hadn't actually got the job and never noticed the email?

What if-

"Ok Virgil, you're all set. Welcome to Sanderson Police Department." The woman got up from her chair and held out her hand. "I'm Valerie; nice to meet you!"

Virgil blinked before returning the gesture, stuttering over his own tongue.

"Well, uh, I'm Virgil... But y-you already knew that, heh..."

He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, Valerie giggling at his antics.

"S-sorry, I'm a bit nervous."

The receptionist handed him his ID, Virgil giving a grateful look in response.

"Relax, Virgil, you'll be great! Are you joining the officers?"

Virgil almost choked in shock. Him? A police officer?

"Uh, no, actually. I'll be becoming a police detective."

There was a flash of surprise on Valerie's face, but it quickly dissolved into a thoughtful expression.

"So you'll be working with Picani then... Well, his office is down the hall, but you'll need to talk to Joan; they're head of the building." Valerie explained while settling back down in her swivel chair, back to the cheerful look she was wearing when he came in. Virgil risked a glace around him, and made eye contact with someone. That someone then made their way over to him.

"Hey there! You must be Virgil, right? I'm Joan, the one in charge of running this place." Joan patted his back reassuringly, their dark hair messy and unkempt, like they'd only woken up three minutes ago. Virgil could relate.

They shook hands and Joan guided him to their office, just around the corner from the reception.They sat across from each other, and almost immediately Joan pulled out an orange beanie from their desk and slipped it on their head. They caught the questioning look Virgil was giving them.

"It's my favourite beanie, but no one will let me wear it during work, so please don't tell anyone." Virgil laughed behind his hand while Joan just shrugged before continuing.

"So, let's chat."

~

It was getting late into the afternoon, and the two had bonded over several subjects including bands, TV shows and their beanies (Virgil has a black one at home). It was after Joan had given Virgil a lecture on how to properly play Injustice 2 that a newcomer burst into the room, startling everyone. Joan immediately stood up and addressed them.

"Terrence? What is it?"

"It's a call. From the pet shop. They've had a break in." The man, Terrence, panted in short bursts. Both glanced at Virgil, who'd slowly started to shrink into his seat, hoping to meld with it.

"Looks like you got your first case, Virgil."

He could only stand up stiffly and nod while quietly muttering.

"Oh boy... What have I gotten myself into?"