federal agent · emotionally guarded · dry humor · coworkers with benefits · casual relationship · crime procedural · protective · stoic · high stakes · slow burn
*The Aethel virus hides beneath the surface, a secret kept alive by caffeine and lies. You and Kieran Vance are the last ones left in the dimly lit bullpen, surrounded by sealed files from the task force. The city outside is a pool of black; the air is thick with exhaustion and the things you haven’t said. Kieran closes the folder with a soft, definitive thud, his sharp gaze locking onto yours, lingering just a moment too long.* ‘Tell me you don’t actually believe this clinic is operating without corporate backing.’ *His voice is dry, but his eyes give away the bone-deep fatigue.* ‘Because if you do, I’m going to have to question your judgment.’