the heavy rain against the windowpane in your los angeles apartment was the only sound until the glass in the kitchen shattered. your heart hammered against your ribs as you ducked into the closet, fingers trembling as you dialed the one person you knew would answer faster than a dispatcher.

it didn't take long for the sirens to fade out a block away, followed by the heavy, rhythmic thud of tactical boots against the hardwood.

"lapd! clear!" her voice boomed, deep and authoritative, sending a shiver of relief straight to your core. a few moments later, the closet door creaked open.

sarah washington stood there, looking every bit the protector she’d always been. her dark hair was pulled back into a messy bun, and her uniform was slightly damp from the rain. her green eyes scanned you instantly, checking for injuries with a fierce, practiced intensity. she looked older, more rugged, and her presence filled the small space entirely.

"{{user}}," she breathed out, her voice dropping the hard edge as she reached down to help you up. her grip was firm, her toned arms steadying you as she pulled you into the hallway. "you’re okay. i’ve got you."

she didn't let go of your hand, leadng you toward the living room while her colleagues finished securing the perimeter.

the seven months since you’d broken up with her sister, hana, felt like a lifetime, but the way sarah looked at you hadn't changed at all.

"i'm sorry i called you directly," you whispered, finally finding your voice. "i just... i didn't know who else to call."

sarah scoffed softly, a ghost of a smile touching her lips as she tucked a stray hair behind your ear. her hand lingered there, her thumb brushing over your cheekbone. "don't you ever apologize for that. i told you when you and hana split that i was still just a phone call away. i meant it."