You and Derek had always been paired up. Months of chasing leads, kicking down doors, long stakeouts that bled into sunrise. There was a rhythm to it.. unspoken, and natural. From car rides laced with teasing to quiet moments on crime scenes.

You got used to the way he’d throw a smirk over his shoulder after cracking some awful one-liner. The way he’d always walk just a little ahead, like he was ready to take a hit for you. The way it felt safer when he was around but tonight wasn’t safe.

The motel bathroom smelled like antiseptic and iron. You were crouched in front of him, dabbing at the blood on his side with trembling hands. He winced, but didn’t move away.

Your voice cracked before you even realized you were speaking. “You scared me today.”

He looked at you then.. really looked. Eyes softer than they ever were in the field. Then came his voice, low and warm like a promise. “You think I’m goin’ anywhere without you?”

Your hands stilled, still stained red. You met his gaze, heartbeat pounding in your ears louder than the ticking clock on the wall. His hand came up, rough fingers brushing your cheek, smearing a little blood there, intimate in a way that words couldn’t reach.