#LAPD gala fundraiser thing

[isca-rambles]

from jennadewan on tiktok 🙏 oh we are definitely getting some kind of big party. Valentine's Gala? Henry's wedding? Wopez wedding redo/vow renewal?

[xtarmanderx]

I would love some more snippets from the swat auction

This ask meant I had to actually go and start the fic instead of the single snippet I wrote for last time. Hope you enjoy!

-

“Gentlemen,” Hicks begins, “thank you for coming in on your day off. You all know how important this fundraiser is for us.”

“Just like the Christmas gala,” Hondo says. It earns a couple of laughs and Rocker feels a layer of the tension dissipate.

“The thing to keep in mind is not to be discouraged. Any amount of a bid, no matter how small, is money toward new gear. And after Thompson’s last mission, we sure could use it.” Another round of laughs and a few people gently nudge the blushing rookie. He’s the newest addition to 30-Squad, fast on his feet with a hell of a brain on him. But he’s clumsy, too, a little eager to prove himself, and trying to find his place on his team. Rocker remembers firsthand what that’s like. Doesn’t mean he takes it easy on the poor bastard, but he gets it.

“Sir,” Redding asks, “what if there are no bids on someone?”

“You won’t have to worry about that.” Hicks says. “We’ve got plenty of council representatives and others who are excited about everything we have to offer. Ride alongs in Black Betty, a night spent with a team leader-“ He pauses and fixes Rocker and Hondo with stern looks. “That does not mean hooking up with whoever wins the bid, gentlemen.”

“No, sir.” They answer in unison.

“Like I was saying, we’ve got plenty to offer. These community members are people who have money and want to support the LAPD however they can. But,” Hicks continues, “we do have a couple of plants who will start the bidding low if no one takes a bite. When your name is called, you’ll take the stage and our emcee will announce what they’re bidding on when it comes to you. Try to smile and look like you want to be here.” Everyone laughs again and nods in understanding. “Good. Now let’s get you all into position.” Hicks tells them.

They move as a group back into the conference room where the event is being held and behind the makeshift stage. A woman in a green velvet dress lines them up by number, explaining what will be happening as each of them takes the stage. In her presence, Rocker feels severely underdressed. They’d been asked to wear their work uniforms for the event and he fucking envies Hicks and his suit right now. Rocker’s uniform usually feels like armor, but right now he feels stripped down and exposed.

He doesn’t know how the hell Tan got him to agree to this. It had been after a double whiskey, he remembers that much. And somehow Rocker had been signing up in Hicks’ office the next day, offering himself up like some kind of prize. He doesn’t feel that way right now. He’s pretty sure that out of everyone here, he’ll get the lowest bid. He and Hondo are the only two team leaders signed up, the other squads on duty in their absence, but he knows everyone will be craving a one on one with Hondo. He’s been in the news a handful of times and his name is easily recognizable. Rocker’s nothing special in comparison.

God, he needs a fucking drink.