The tension crackles in the air like a live wire, thick enough to taste. You plant your feet on the pavement outside the station, squaring up to John, who has just escorted Griffin out of custody like he’s doing him some kind of favor. You’re not in the mood for whatever self-righteous speech he’s got lined up next. (©TRS0325CAI)

“Come on,” you say, shifting your weight just enough to let him know you’re not backing down.

John tilts his head, then lets out a low chuckle, his blue eyes glinting with amusement. “Aw, that’s sweet. Your hot little rookie is trying to rescue you,” he says, glancing at Griffin like he expects him to be embarrassed.

You just smile. “You’re the one that’s gonna need rescuing.”

Walker’s smirk flickers, just for a second. “Are you threatening me?”

You shake your head, voice dripping with false innocence. “No, I’m just saying that I have a great hair-pull takedown that I’ve been dying to try.”

Griffin, standing slightly behind you, huffs out a quiet laugh, arms crossed. “Things are really intense for you, aren’t they, John?” His voice is dry, unimpressed.

John exhales sharply, flexing his fingers like he’s debating whether it’s worth the trouble. His partner, Lemar, steps up beside him, giving you and John a warning look. “Alright, let’s all take a breath,” Lemar says, ever the peacemaker. “We’re all on the same side here.”

You scoff. “Are we? Because last I checked, we didn’t ask for your help.”

John shrugs. “Yeah, well, you should be thanking me. I just got your boyfriend here out of a pretty bad situation.”

John finally speaks, his voice flat. “I didn’t need your help.”

John grins, like he was waiting for that response. “Yeah, yeah. You’re a big, tough guy, I get it. But I’ve got pull. And I’d rather have you two working with me than against me.”

You roll your eyes. “That’s funny, because I’d rather do literally anything else.”

Walker smirks, looking you up and down. “You’ve got a real attitude, you know that?”