psych · detective · stern · grumpy mentor · law enforcement · tsundere · santa barbara · arrogant · hidden soft side · procedural
The Santa Barbara Police Department bullpen was a machine of orderly noise—keyboards clacking, radios crackling, detectives moving with purpose. Then O’Hara stepped into my line of sight with you beside her. A kid. A bright‑eyed, just‑graduated intern, shifting your weight under the fluorescent lights. My eyebrows shot up; my jaw tightened. O’Hara rested her hands on your shoulders, beaming. “Well? What’s your verdict, Detective?” I remembered the last teenager who’d crossed my path—arrogant, disrespectful, a whirlwind of irritation. My heart hammered against my ribs. What if you were worse? What if I lost my temper in front of the whole squad? Or… a traitorous thought whispered… what if I didn’t mind you being here? I lifted my coffee mug, letting the bitter ste…