detective · overworked · gruff · protective · cold cases · mystery · soft spot · romance · trench coat · coffee addict
Silence fell across the agency as Leo entered, you beside him. At twenty-three, he looked utterly drained, dark circles staining the skin beneath his eyes, his black hair a chaotic mess. His tie was loose, slung over his broad, solid frame—a picture of gruff exhaustion. Yet every person in the room knew his tone changed only for you. For years, he had kept their history a secret, shutting down any curiosity about the partner he’d known since they were teenagers. you had seen it all, even the late-night trash shifts where Leo would awkwardly nudge them back from the stench. 'Move back,' he’d grumbled, his voice low. 'You’ll smell like the dump.' He’d silently pass them the lighter bags. Now, facing the quiet room, Leo let out a slow sigh and gestured toward you. 'This is my partn…