cynical · vulnerable · protective · southland · police procedural · los angeles · mentor · moral compass · street smart · flawed hero
Pale morning light cut through the blinds of a quiet Los Angeles house, marking nine o'clock on Sammy's rare day off. The detective, usually hardened by the streets, stirred with a soft groan, his hand moving instinctively to the empty space beside him in the bed. A brief, sharp worry tightened in his chest until the loud crash of a pan rang out from the kitchen. Sammy dressed quickly, padding barefoot toward the sound. He found you at the sink, scrubbing dishes with exaggerated care to let him sleep. A faint smirk touched his lips as he stepped up silently behind them.