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With a frustrated groan Amy threw the pictures on her desk again and pushed her chair away. This case was leading nowhere. All the leads they got until now were dead ends. Even the teen they brought in because they caught him buying drugs was stupid enough to keep his mouth shut. The drug ring must have threatened them really effectively.
She sighed for what felt like the millionth time in the last few hours and got up. Staring holes into their only open lead won’t do any good. She just needed a short break, maybe a coffee as well… even though the office coffee was as effective as some warm water at this point.
She looked at her watch at that thought. Huh, 2:15 am already, she could’ve sworn it was just after eleven. Funny how that worked out for her. And what had she been doing for the last 3 hours? Nothing but curse every single detail she knew about the case and intimidate any ghost that might be haunting the precinct.
Great. Good job detective. Amy shook her head violently to get rid off the self-depreciating thoughts. Maybe she should go and take a quick nap, she was really getting tired apparently.
Despite this however Amy found herself back at her desk shortly afterwards with a half-finished coffee in one hand and the pictures in the other. The computer was long since abandoned because her eyes started protesting.
She swished the liquid around in the cup for second before downing it all. Following the cup with her eyes as she threw it in the trash, she already wished for another cup of this holy lifesaving energizer. But alas, she didn’t want to stand up again, mere seconds after having abandoned her work. So she forced herself to look at the pictures again. At this point she was sure she could draw them with her eyes closed. She couldn’t test that theory though, because if she closed her eyes now, she wouldn’t have the willpower to open them again.
She blinked again to focus her eyes on the dark alleyway again, it was a typical drug deal alley. Some overspilling trashcans, a dead-end and graffiti on the walls. Even though that was pretty stupid. Only having one way in and out meant that you could be tracked easier and greatly reduced your chances off getting away uninjured if there was some kind of fight. No big drug ring like they were dealing with should be stupid enough to deal there. Hell there was even a camera on the corner recording the entrance.
Amy stopped her half-loud sleep drunken rambling and almost fell off her chair from the force of the realisation. She was right, it didn’t make any sense. She logged onto her computer again and opened the recording. It didn’t really make any sense that the teen was so easy to catch, they practically gave the camera a perfect mug shot off themselves. Maybe that was planned? She watched the whole thing again; everything was the same.
The dealer came walking in back turned to the camera, they definitely knew it was there. Then they disappeared into the blind spot off the device and Amy once again wished the city would install an audio recording system already. Ten minutes later the nervous teenager came. They came from the opposite direction than the dealer, therefore facing the camera perfectly. They rounded the corner and presumably made a deal. It all went really fast. Three minutes later the teen scurried away again, clutching their left pocket off the jacket a bit closer than necessary.
Amy sighed again in frustration. That new angle didn’t help her at all. No new leads presented themselves. Five minutes later the annoying dealer came out of the alley again and not for the first time did the detective wish that looks could kill, because that guy’s spine would definitely be disintegrated at this point. Ugh, could the stupid idiot not just turn themself in?
She continued staring at the entrance as if it personally offended her, which in a way… it did. But she must have been out off it for a while, because she got snapped out of her trance by movement on the screen. She looked up again, but it was only a street dog raiding the trash, because shortly after it ran out of the alleyway again, a black bag clutched between its teeth. Dumb chubby little street rat, getting her hopes up like that. Yet another reason for her to hate dogs. They were just evil! She scribbled it down anyways. Her notes now consisted of:
A few dozen lines that were created by her pen dragging down the page whenever her hand gave up on her,
the word illogical written over and over again,
a short explanation why the alley wasn’t suitable for a drug deal,
a short rambling about how teenager had no regard for their future, not accepting a deal with the police to lighten their sentence, they must clearly have given up on life,
a surprisingly detailed drawing of a coffee mug with a halo on a shrine,
and a for her standards pretty badly written rant about the fat little dog with the trash bag and why it was an evil creature.
Normally she would have thrown something as unprofessional as this away immediately, or better yet burnt it, so no one can read her idiotic notes. Tonight however, she was just too tired to get up again. Her computer screen went black, to save energy, and suddenly the whole precinct looked so dark, her eyes not adjusting to the new circumstances. The temptation to just close them grew with the second, she tapped her phone, 3:55, okay definitely too late to be awake. It was as if her body was just waiting for that thought to cross her mind, because suddenly all her muscles gave away and she just flopped onto the desk like a fish out of the water. Her eyelids slipped close without her permission and with a last huff she fell asleep on her desk.
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This was how Rosa found her the next day; One hand still holding the pen and periodically drawing on something with it, her head on the desk with her other arm as a pillow and the chair looking like it would roll away and let her fall on the floor any second now. Rosa sighed, her fellow detective just never knew when to stop and take care of herself.
She dropped off her bag at her own desk and slowly stalked towards her sleeping co-worker. She would have to be the one to deal with this situation apparently, seeing as she was the only person in the nine-nine this early on. At least the only one awake.
Rosa always like to be in the precinct early. Not only does she miss the big morning traffic that way and can safely speed her way to work, but it is also nicely quite and soothing while the office is still empty, and she can sort her thoughts. Often this is also when she solves the most cases. So it has become a sort of routine for her to just arrive earlier than everyone else. She even got her own key to the building because the janitor got tired of her picking the lock every time the night shift was already gone. Sadly this also comes with the occasional sight of one of the detectives passed out at their desk after pulling an all-nighter. Normally it happens maybe once a month and Rosa found her peace with it. Maybe she even liked coming up with new ideas to prank Jake while he was sleeping, no one but her will ever know.
But in the last few weeks there was a concerning increase of times she came to work and was greeted with the sight of Amy still being there, although normally she was still awake and sometimes even claiming she just came in even earlier. Rosa didn’t fully believe her, but that was for later.
Now Rosa just stopped in front of her desk and looked in exasperation at what must have been at least ten empty cups of coffee in her trash. That woman was just going to collapse at some point.
Reaching out Rosa gently shook her shoulder. Only to be rewarded with nothing but a small groan and no other reaction.
“Santiago, you better wake up and go home or I swear I’ll tell Holt you’re overworking yourself again.” Even that didn’t get her a reaction, she must really be knocked out cold then.
Glancing at the clock again she considered her option, she could just leave her here, but that would end in either Jake mocking the poor soul, if he was on time that was. Or more likely Holt would come in and give the sleeping woman a lecture about sleep schedules and self-care. Neither sounded really enjoyable and Rosa somehow sympathized with her co-worker… waking her up clearly wasn’t an option either so that just left, getting her into the breakroom so she at least looks somewhat responsible. She was silently thankful for the morning traffic right now, no one else would be here for another twenty minutes, so they wouldn’t see her being soft or whatever.
She assessed the situation for a second and then stepped closer to the chair, ducked under it and positioned herself so that her shoulders were at Amy’s torso and then slid her arms under her knees. This ended in Amy clutching at her like a koala and she sighed and thanked the universe again for not having someone be present at this moment.
With Amy secured she turned around and began carrying her to the breakroom. At the first step the pen fell out of the detective’s hand and onto the ground behind them and the noise echoed through the silent precinct. She ignored it for the time being and stepped into the breakroom. Luckily Amy was a very clean person and had at some point organized the mess that was left yesterday.
She kneeled down in front of the couch and began to lower Amy onto it. She had to carefully free herself from the arms tangled around her. Who knew her college was a clingy sleeper? She did now, maybe she’d use this blackmail material at some point, certainly useful to know.
After throwing a blanket, not Wolfie, she only made that mistake once, over the sleeping form Rosa went back to pick up the fallen pen or it would annoy her forever. And after picking it up she went to lay it down next to the notepad but stopped in curiosity at the sight of a concerningely detailed drawing of a coffee cup with a halo standing on a shrine. You learn something new about your co-workers everyday she supposed. She went on and also read the notes written on there, shortly skimming over the many illogicals before doing a double take at the slightly messily written note about a dog coming by.
She took the page with her to her own desk, turned on her computer and opened the file to see for herself. And her partner was right, a good forty minutes after the deal was done there was a dog running into the passage and coming back out with a bag in its mouth. Sleep deprived Amy was definitely onto something, that dog did indeed seem weird in some way. She would have to discuss that with her once the woman woke up again!
Looking over again a sight that made her mouth twitch ever so slightly greeted her. Amy was curled up in a little ball clutching the blanket between her arms. “Damnit Santiago, now I have to delete this morning’s camera footage.” She grumbled before taking a quick photo with her phone. At least she got some good blackmail material out of it, she bargained, but the argument sounded weak even to herself.
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That morning Amy woke up in the breakroom, like many times before in the last few weeks. Only this time she was pretty sure she didn’t have the foresight to drag herself there in time. She let go of the blanket she was clutching and looked around, the only ones here were the captain and Rosa. Neither of which she would take as the kind to relocate a sleeping college, but she might be wrong, after all she didn’t know much about either of them.
Rosa looked up from her laptop again and saw her standing next to the couch. She grinned for second before calling her over, “Santiago, you rose from the dead again, come on we have a case to solve” Amy just put on her best fake pout and walked over. Because she had to admit she was intrigued by the promise of solving this case, she convinced herself was super important to justify working too long at a time.
She got snapped out of her thoughts by Rosa grabbing her arm and pulling her along. She couldn’t really do anything but stumble along, still feeling the effects of the night before and not having had a coffee yet. Her college opened the door to the bathroom, pulled her inside and shut the door again.
Amy looked at her in confusion as there was a small purse getting pressed into her hands. “You look like a zombie; you should clean yourself up a bit” Rosa elaborated while already looking like she was planning her escape. “Thank you” was all she could say in her surprise and began to pull out a comb and some basic make-up from the purse. “Yeah, I told you I got you back, didn’t I? Anyway, hurry up I wanna solve this stupid case” With those words Amy was alone in the bathroom. She smiled to herself while hurriedly getting ready and fumbling with the zipper of the purse for a bit too long to be normal.
But alas here she was five minutes later, having rolled her chair up to Rosa’s desk and currently doing her best not to die of embarrassment upon seeing her sleep drunken notes on there.
Her partner came out of the kitchen with two coffees in hand, seeing the longing gaze she smirked and gave one to her, “Here, I put another shot of expresso in yours, I figured you need it.” Amy took the offered cup “Thank you so much, Rosa, I really owe you one” Rosa just sat down, took a large sip of her coffee and huffed “No, you just got us a new lead for our case, I think we’re good.” She responded, before smirking again and adding “And also, I have a photo of you cuddling your blanket if I ever need a favour.”
If Amy squeaked from embarrassment at that she would forever deny it, “Wait, you said I got us a new lead?” She sobered up instantly. Rosa did the same and nodded ”Yeah, you remember that, and I quote: fat little street rat that is a reincarnation of the devil himself?” Amy sighed “Oh my god, did I really write that? That is soo unprofessional I’m sorry. But yeah, what about that evil incarnated?” Rosa huffed again. “I mean, you aren’t wrong Santiago, but maybe not for the reason you think.” Amy looked at her curiously, “Think about it, you literally ranted about how chubby that dog is for half a paragraph, isn’t that kind of weird?”
Amy gasped, and it took everything in her to stay professional and not jump out of her chair like a jack-in-the-box. “You’re right, if it was a street dog it wouldn’t be so big.”
Rosa nodded shortly “Exactly, and also I watched back the footage, and don’t you think the creature was in there for a suspiciously small amount of time?”
“I mean yeah, so what are we thinking? The real drug deal was with a dog? Did someone dress up as a dog?” Amy could feel the effects of the coffee already leaving her again.
“Dress up? No Santiago, they trained the dog to pick up the drugs for them, my god you really need to go home and sleep, your big brain’s failing you”.
At those words Amy’s shoulders involuntarily tightened and she could only hope Rosa would be nice enough to not say anything.
Today was Teddy’s free day, she already managed to somehow spin a story how she was needed for her case and couldn’t use her free day as well, but if she went home now, there was no way Teddy wouldn’t want to talk to her about the dating thing.
And in hindside, it was stupid of her to assume that he just wanted to spend more time with her geeking out over their favourite documentaries, when he asked her if he could move in.
But instead of saying any of that, Amy just shook her head and said” I can’t we finally got a lead on this case, and I wouldn’t be able to think about anything else either way, I just need some more coffee is all” She hoped that with the argument and her innocent little smile it would be enough for Rosa to drop it.
And she did, though unbeknownst to Amy it wasn’t because of her pathetic little excuse or her angel smile, it was just because of her pleading eyes that revealed that she really didn’t want to be at home. Something Rosa found at least mildly concerning and swore she would investigate further.
For now, Amy just got up and made herself another pot of coffee, but instead of pouring it into a cup, she just took the whole thing with her, slightly upsetting Hitchcock, who was waiting in line behind her, but completely ignoring him.
The rest of the detectives have all drippled in by now, even Jake was here already, and they all collectively decided not to mention it.
The rest of the day went pretty well, their new lead turned out to be a success and they decided to go back to the crime scene after lunch, that sadly didn’t really bring any new revelations, because it was already old.
Therefore, they just agreed to keep their ears to the ground and look for slightly over-sized German Shepards.
A few days later their efforts have already been rewarded, although in an unexpected way. Amy was once again stalling to get home after Teddy was already asleep, when the little devil just passed right by her, which was both the best and worst of luck.
But the case was genuinely important to her and Rosa, so she just decided to just stop breathing and pursue it. She took out her phone to film everything, also having the brilliant idea to act like she got a phone call, causing her to change directions, just to be careful.
So she let her phone dangle by her side and speed walked after the lice-bearing pest. The dog ran into an alleyway relatively close by, Fort Greene PL. 107 Amy made sure to show the street name and number to the camera while following the furry creature, thankful her allergies hadn’t yet kicked in. There was a guy sitting under one of the trees, invisible from above and where Amy knew the camera was located. She didn’t have any of her equipment, so she just carefully peaked her camera around the corner to record as much as possible before waiting for the dog to come back around.
She then followed it and the plastic bag in its mouth to an inconspicuous car parked at the side of Flatbush Avenue. And that was her little adventure. Luck was really on her side, because the only allergic reaction was a stuffy nose.
Though sadly said luck didn’t accompany her home, because when she got there the lights were still on and she nearly wished for her allergy to just have killed her instead. In the end though she only did something slightly less idiotic and scaled the side of the building and climbed through her window, luckily they still had their own bedrooms, even though they cuddled together most of the time. She knew logically that she would have to just talk to Teddy and he would understand, probably. She just couldn’t be sure though and that was the problem. This was why she just changed out of her clothes, used her emergency toothbrush and went to bed. The next morning, she did the exact same in reverse order. Teeth brushed, clothes on and scaling out the window again.
She got back to the precinct, bevor even Rosa did and scarved down a toast bought from the baker at the corner and waited patiently to present her partner this new lead.
Rosa wasn’t even surprised to see Santiago be there bevor her at this point and just murmured a “Morning” and made her coffee.
Afterwards Amy stalked over and showed her the recording off last night and the two of them had watched it for just about the tenth time, to make sure they didn’t miss any details when the rest of the squad arrived.
After the morning briefing, they went separate ways to take their minds of off the case for a while, when the distinct sound of the elevator rang through the nine-nine.
Amy looked over and nearly chocked on her mid-morning coffee when she looked over to greet their guest. It was Teddy, stalking over to her. “Hey, Aims, my love, how is the case going? I thought I’d come visit since it’s my free day.”
Out of the corner of her eye she saw Rosa ready herself, this was bad. “Heey, Teddy, good to see you too. I thought your free day was last week?” she cringed at her voice cracking. “Nah, I pushed it back when you told me you couldn’t come home. Do you maybe have time for lunch later? I saw this great restaurant…”
Now this just got from bad to worse, just as she fumbled for some excuse Rosa came to her rescue. With a sort of animation that was so unusual for Rosa she lit up as if she just had the greatest idea in the history of mankind and stormed over. “Sorry Teddy, I need to borrow your girlfriend here real quick, Amy, I just had the greatest idea on how to solve our case it’s really simple honestly, you know how if you do that thing there is always…” and as she rambled on, she quickly dragged Amy into the evidence room.
Changing back to her normal voice she complained: “Uh, this was the most embarrassing thing I ever had to do, and you guys know I went to ballet school.” Amy could have kissed this woman at that moment if she was into that. Instead, she just said:” Thank you so very m--” “Save it, but you better tell me what the hell all of that is about. I did not just sacrifice my dignity to get lied at so don’t even try it.” At that a small smile crept onto Amy’s lips and she nodded.
“Sooo, Teddy moved in with me a while ago, you know, all you guys were like exited for me and stuff? Turns out that is apparently a romantic thing, and he thinks we are lovers.” At that a small incredulous laugh escapes Rosa, “Oh Amy you are such a dork, are you telling me you didn’t know?” Some desperation bleed through her voice now: “Noo, I thought we moved in so we can geek about stuff all the time and entertain ourselves, but when he told me we are just roommates he winked at me. And now he wants to … do the thing with me and I don’t know how to tell him, because I like him, but like not like that!”
Rosa looked like she was ready to burst into laughter any second now, and it was definitely the most anyone ever saw her smile. “Oh you sweet summer child. Amy you basically told him that you two were lovers.” Now Amy was really confused: “WHAT? How I literally told him we are just friends?” At this Rosa cracked up. After taking a big breath to calm herself and wiping the laugh off her face she spoke again: “Ok, You should really talk to the guy, there is a lot of miscommunication going on there.”
Amy nodded again: “But won’t he be mad like or something? Because he really is a good friend.” Rosa just shrugged: “I don’t know, but honestly, if he does get mad at you, he’s a piece of shit and I will stab him.” “Aww, you do care…” Amy teased, this earned her to be shoved into the wall though. “If you tell someone about this, or I see you avoiding the conversation any longer, I swear I will make sure you will never be able to talk again. Got it?” “Mhm” “Good, now then I actually do have a lead on the case, so come to my desk when you’re ready.” And before Amy could respond she was out the door.
Amy took another moment to gather her bearings bevor following her and plastering on her best smile.
She walked straight up to Teddy:” Sorry about that, I have to get back to work, but I nothing against going to that restaurant later. I have to talk to you about something there.”
Teddy smiled back “Of course, I’m looking forward to it baby, I’ll pick you up, good luck with your case.” And with that he walked back out the door.
Amy released a breath she didn’t realise she was holding and turned to walk to Rosa’s desk. Only the way was blocked by Jake. “Ohh, I sense some problems…”he gasped:” Amy Santiago? Are you breaking up with him? Does that mean you are available?”
“Haha, not funny Peralta” Amy retaliated, “Now if you’ll excuse me, Rosa and I have a drug ring to bust” With that she stormed past him and sat down on her chair, which was never moved back to her own desk after this morning.
They didn’t really get anywhere with the case, as much as Amy wished that the criminal would just suddenly appear and they would have to spent their lunch break chasing him, she was just too distracted by the looming doom of the conversation ahead of her. All too soon the clock showed 1300 and the elevator arrived again with a ding. Now Amy felt like it was announcing her death. Even Gina looked up from her phone for a second and gave Amy a thumb up, so apparently she was buzzing with nervous energy.
The drive to the restaurant was extremely awkward, neither Amy nor Teddy said anything and Amy was immensely grateful that it was over after 5 minutes.
Smiling at a waiter near the entrance, she let herself be lead to a table in the corner by Teddy.
They both sat down at stared at each other for what felt like forever. Teddy was the first to break the silence with a heavy sigh. “Ames, I’m not stupid, what’s going on? Talk to me.” Amy just stayed silent and avoided his stare, he sighed again: “Amy Santiago!” That did the trick and her eyes snapped up to look at him. Now it was her time to sigh: “It’s… It is stupid, I just kinda, I don’t really know, but I just…” She took another deep breath: “I just don’t want this.” He looked at her a bit confused: “Don’t want what, love?” She stiffened a bit: “This. Look Teddy I really like you, but not like this. I just want to be friends and geek over documentaries and quiz each other and I just want everything to go back to normal. And I’m sorry if that’s not what you wanted, but I just don’t want this.”
She looked up at him again and slowly stood up again. She reached for her jacket and said it again to be sure he understood it: “I’m sorry” With that she was done and wanted to go but Teddy reached out and grabbed her arm. She faltered and looked at him expectantly.
“Amy… I’m sorry, I’m sorry for everything” She smiled at him thankfully and nodded. Teddy didn’t let go of her though: “I’m sorry for misjudging you, and for not being good enough for you.” Amy was startled by his sudden outburst and it looked like he was too. He let go of her arm and breathed in: “Maybe we can be friends again someday, but not yet. For now I feel like we need some distance, so when you come home today, I’ll be gone already. I’ll have to come back for some of my stuff. But for now I guess this is goodbye.”
And before Amy could do anything he was gone. She looked at the door for a while, before realising there were quite a few people staring at her.
She smiled awkwardly and walked out the door as well. In the parking lot she remembered they got here in Teddy’s car so she would have to walk back now, just great.
Luckily it wasn’t too far and twenty minutes later she was outside the precinct again. Unluckily twenty minutes were more than enough time for her to come to the conclusion that she should’ve just sucked it up and played along. Teddy had every right to hate her forever now.
So Amy was just a bit emotional and absolutely not looking forward to going back in there.
The doors felt so much heavier than usual and the stairs were too long and too short at the same time, because not a minute later she was back at her desk. She just wanted to sit down, when Gina of all people called her over.
“As much as I would like to just watch the free entertainment that is your miserable situation, you look like dog shit girl, and I, the great caring Gina Linetti will help you.”
Amy just blinked at her, mildly confused. That was awfully nice of her. “And also because Rosa threatened to cut off the free wifi if I don’t” Ah, there it was. “Anyway, now follow your helping hand.”
With that Gina stood up and lead her to one of the backrooms. She stopped in front of the door to the old cells, that was now out of order. What exactly was her plan here? “What is this?” Amy questioned, but Gina just smiled ominously before opening the door and shoving her in there. Not expecting this she just stumbled through and could only hear the door slamming shut behind her. Turning around quickly she looked at Gina standing behind the door.
“A little birdy told me you were being an idiot again. Stressing out and not sleeping. So now you will, Rosa’s idea not mine, I don’t really care enough bestie.” Amy couldn’t resist the smile creeping onto her face, before she realised that she was now stuck in this room indefinitely. Her expression changed immediately “Wait, Gina. I have a case to work, I can’t be just laying around in here doing nothing. Let me out” She banged her hands on the window.
“Sorry, Amy, no can do. And also why do you think I had to lock your ass in here and not Rosa? Relax and be thankful I cleaned it up a bit beforehand.” With that Gina just walked away and Amy could do nothing watch her.
She sighed and turned around. Gina really did clean it up a bit, that was nice of her. The couch at one side of the room caught her attention. There was a blanket and a pillow deposited and accepting her defeat she took them and laid down. She was stuck in here anyways, might as well get cozy.
When she opened her eyes again the door was opened slightly and Amy took that as her signal that she was allowed out now. She folded up the blanket again and walked back towards her desk. Admittedly she did feel better now that she had a bit more sleep. She could even understand why Teddy needed his distance, even if it did still hurt.
But all of that could wait. For now, she thought as she looked over to Rosa, they had a case to solve.