#she's Amy Santiago but more serious

[lavendertales]

Sweet lies: Chapter 11

pairing: Frankie Morales x f!reader

summary: you break things down to Rose, while Frankie seeks some understanding at Santiago.

word count: 3.3k

Comments & reblogs are always appreciated 💕

gif: @pedro-pscal

series masterlist | AO3

Anxiety seeps through your every pore as you approach the apartment. There is no reason for you to feel this nervous about opening up to your best friend, and yet there you are, gulping with each step you take.

With one final sharp breath to be drawn in, you ring the doorbell and wait. There’s some music that’s distinguishable from where you stand. Amy Winehouse’s “You Know That I’m No Good”, to your surprise. You raise your brows, waiting still.

“Hi!”

The sight of a shirtless Santiago, wearing only a silver chain around his neck and some shorts isn’t what you expected, and clearly he’s just as taken aback by your presence as much as you are by his, but it only makes the moment more comical for you.

“Good morning,” you greet him cheekily.

He clears his throat. “Morning.”

“What’re you guys doing?”

Santiago purses his lips, avoiding the answer like the plague, though it is painfully obvious. You decide to spare him of the additional pain.

“Relax, I’m just fucking with you,” you smile at him. “I’m glad things are going so well for the two of you.”

“We weren’t—I mean, not right now, but—“

You chuckle, eased to see Rose’s face appear from behind Santiago. She greets you with a big smile, welcoming you in.

“Aren’t you cold? It’s a bit chilly outside,” you ask Santiago, who faintly blushes.

“Uh… it’s kinda warm in here. It’s fine.”

Rose raises her brows suggestively at you, to which you frown and chuckle some more.

“Would you mind if I spoke alone with Rose?” you check with Santiago. “It’s very important.”

“Not at all. In fact, I should get going too. I got a meeting with Fish.”

Your face instantly drops, and you swear you detect something more on Santiago’s face. Despite that, neither of you mentions anything of the sort.

“Yeah, he’s supposed to help me with some stuff at the shop,” he adds, trying to ease your conscience.

You nod. “If you get to talking…”

“Yeah.”

There seems to be some sort of mutual understanding between the two of you, one that Rose does not understand. She watches patiently as Santiago rushes to get dressed, but not before kissing her cheek.

“Coffee?” she offers you.

“Sure, thanks.”

“So what’s up? Pretty early for a visit. Not that I’m complaining! You know I’m always up for you.”

“And for Santi too, by the looks of it.”

Rose’s cheeks get flushed instantly while she tends to the coffee in the kitchen. You sit at the table, fumbling with your fingers, trying to figure out how you’re going to break all this down for her. You know she’s the most understanding person in the world, but such news would shock her without a doubt, and truthfully, you could use some of her fire to bring you down to earth.

Once Santiago bids you both goodbye and you have the apartment to yourselves, you breathe in one more time.

“I did something terrible,” you say, your voice ominous.

Rose’s face shows concern within the next second as she sits down in front of you, two mugs of coffee in your hands.

“It began in February.”

“What did?”

The more you look at her, the wetter your eyes get, but you force yourself to not break down, not right now.

“I turned into one of my worst nightmares,” you say darkly. “I’m—I’m the other woman. Or I was. I won’t even know for sure till today.”

“What are you talking about? You’re not making much sense.”

You close your eyes as you exhale, wearing your most serious face as you whisper, “I’ve slept with someone who’s engaged. Was. Still is. I don’t know.”

Rose frowns, trying to piece together the information you’re nervously spewing at her.

“Engaged? What are you—“

And then, her whole face drops. Mouth ajar and eyes wide, Rose simply stares at you for seconds on end as realization hits her.

“No. No way. Seriously?!”

“Yes.”

“Are you serious right now?!”

“Why the hell would I joke about this?!”

Rose leans back on the chair, staring back at you with blank eyes. She’s clearly processing the situation, but she doesn’t seem mad like you would’ve expected.

“Before you say anything, trust me, I feel beyond shitty,” you tell her. “I can’t sleep properly, I can’t focus… I keep seeing Andrea’s face and the one word that’s always on my mind is ‘traitor’. Others too, but this one is recurring.”

“Oh sweetie… what—I don’t even know where to begin, what to say.”

You huff, reminiscing of that cold Valentine’s Day on the porch when Frankie kissed you for the very first time, how it felt and how it triggered so many other emotions for the both of you.

“All the conversations and the bickering and the feelings that were still there…” you start, visibly distraught. “One night it just happened, and then… we both swore that was it. And then it happened again. And again. And now—now I’m a horrible person, especially because I like Andrea and I think she’s going through some shit of her own that makes her anxious and even if I suspect that she doesn’t really want this wedding to happen either for various reasons, it still doesn’t seem fair and I just—“

Rose reaches for your hand, giving it a gentle squeeze to ground you.

“Breathe,” she tells you. “In and out, slowly.”

You follow her instruction, and soon you do feel your heart race a little less.

“What does Frankie think about all of this?” she proceeds to ask.

“He’s as messed up as I am, if not more. I told him to tell Andrea and… make a choice. And he said…”

“What?”

The memory of that brief conversation in the closet at the bowling alley, where Frankie told you how much you meant to him all that time and how you’re both his dream and his nightmare, it’s conspiring against you. It weakens your whole body just to think about it, let alone reminisce the hasty way he kissed you, the way it deepened so easily and speedily and how you were both chasing the same high, the same rush that you only felt with each other.

“What did he say?” Rose asks.

You gulp. “He said… there’s no choice to make. He said it’s always been me.”

Rose’s face lights up, and you wish you could display that same reaction as easily as she does. You won’t allow yourself to be this happy at the words you’ve always longed to hear. You fear that if you do, it’ll all get ruined. You fear that if you allow yourself to feel anything other than misery, guilt and shame, Frankie will tell you that he is getting married after all, and that would make you feel like the most horrible human being on the face of the earth.

“Andrea’s flying back home today,” you continue. “They’re gonna talk and whatever they decide, tonight everything will be settled. It will be over, one way or the other.”

“Oh, they are so not getting married.”

Now that surprises you.

“What makes you say that?” you ask. “Andrea’s been calling and texting him a lot, apparently insisting that they gotta make things work no matter what.”

“That’s a bit suspicious, to be honest.”

“Even if it is, Frankie is a loyal, devoted man. Leaving aside what happened between me and him, he’s been with Andrea for years. He might still choose her.”

Rose shakes her head delicately, sipping from her coffee.

“Mark my words, they are not staying together,” she insists. “And I am not only saying this because I want the best for you. Andrea’s perfectly nice and lovely, but she and Frankie are pretty much done.”

“You sound so sure.”

Rose sucks in a sharp breath as well, as if trying to organize her thoughts into coherent words that might make you understand better.

“Well honey, it’s always been you and him,” she coos sweetly. “The love you have for each other, the care, the laughter… come on! We all see it, we all know it. Everyone was just trying to make Andrea to feel as integrated and as welcome as possible in the group, but you and Frankie go way back, and the feelings you have for each other run too deep to be severed by time or distance. It’s been ten years, and you still think of him as the love of your life. We all know what you mean to each other. So much so that everyone hid the full history between you two when Andrea came into picture. She never knew just what you meant to each other, how much. You’re that intimidating shadow that neither of them can get rid of.”

“But I don’t want that! I just want—“

“What do you want?”

You suddenly recall asking Frankie the same question the night you last met before going away at Cambridge, and a painful knot appears in your stomach.

What? C’mon, just tell me. What do you want, Francisco?

You finally got your answer to that question. He wants you. Frankie wants you.

And what do you want, after all this time, after all the trouble and the heartache?

“I want… I want something good for myself. For once,” your voice shakes the answer. “I want him. I want to be with him. And I know it’s selfish and cruel and painful to say, even shitty, I know that. I fucking know that. But life is not fair, and it certainly hasn’t been fair to me, and I just want… for once, for just once, to have what I want. Just once.”

“I know, sweetie. And you absolutely deserve it.”

“It’s always been him. You know, I used to say that I would’ve killed and cheated and lied, I would’ve done whatever if that would’ve meant that I could be with him. Isn’t that funny? How the universe is mocking me?”

You’re half laughing, half crying by this point, and Rose stands up, taking a seat closer to you and hugging you from the side.

“If wanting something good for myself makes me horrible, then so fucking be it,” you cry.

“It doesn’t make you horrible. It makes you human.”

She caresses your hair, simply holding you for a while. You’re surprised she didn’t tear into you after hearing what you did.

“You can snap at me, you know?” you say.

“Why would I do that?”

“Because this is—this is wrong, Rose. I hooked up with someone who’s engaged! It’s… it’s icky and—“

“Frankie and Andrea have been separated for quite some time. I understand all this happened during their break, or?”

“Yeah, but—“

“Did anything happen before?”

“Just the kiss.”

Rose pauses, inspecting your face up close.

“Frankie left immediately after it happened, went to tell Andrea what happened… and she said she wants a break. That’s what I know.”

“Okay, for that I can snap at you a little if you want.”

You actually break into a smile. “That would be nice.”

“You kissed someone who was engaged?! How could you do that?! Are you insane!”

You chuckle, holding her hand.

“Feel better now?” Rose checks.

“A bit. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I did partially mean it.”

“I know, which is why I asked you to do it. For the record, he initiated the kiss.”

“Oh, shit!”

“But I reciprocated, so I’m equally guilty.”

“Hey, listen. Maybe this story isn’t even about Frankie and Andrea and why they got together in the first place if they have issues or doubts or whatever. You’re not the side character.”

“In their story, I am.”

Rose makes an unimpressed face like she’s judging you, and you try not to smile.

“I think this story is about you and him. Like I said before, it’s always been you and Frankie. Maybe this story is about finally getting your happiness. And maybe it’s about Andrea getting her real happiness, too.”

“Yeah. Maybe.”

There’s a moment of silence, a moment which you relish into.

“Did you say you suspect she has other reasons for wanting the break?” Rose asks you.

“I told her what’s been going on with me and Frankie—more or less—and she was super calm about it. Super understanding and nice. And it was… okay, but also—“

“Suspicious.”

“A little.”

Rose frowns, staring into the distance. “What if she has the same moral dilemma as you guys?”

You return her gaze, quite surprised at her suggestion. Though you can’t say the thought hadn’t crossed your mind, either.

“You think there’s someone else for her, too?” you mutter.

Rose shrugs. “Could be. It would explain why she seemed to understanding when you told her.”

“She said she did think something might happen with me and him.”

“Huh. See, even if you do suspect it, when confronted with the situation, you’re still gonna be angry or pissed, something. Who knows what she has on her plate?”

You think back on the conversation you had with Andrea; you recall the speech she told you about her family and the huge pressure lingering on her to this day, and chills run down your spine.

“I’d say she has a lot to deal with,” you answer.

Frankie is more than thankful that Santiago had asked him to give a hand at the hardware store. It’s not too spacious, which means decluttering is a real pain in the ass. Moving tools and supplies around seems like a good distraction, but Frankie knows he can’t keep all of this bottled up, not anymore.

Besides, Santiago already suspects something. Hiding the truth from his best friend for too long seems like a stupid idea.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

Santiago’s question does take him aback; Frankie quickly realizes he’s been mindlessly misplacing several screws in the drawers for the past half hour, only Santiago was too nice to mention it earlier. He shakes his head, desperate to have a clearer mind, but he knows that won’t happen unless he actually talks.

“Seriously, you good, man?”

Frankie stares long at him, gulping and clearing his throat, putting down all the items in his hands.

“Remember that morning when you barged into my apartment, asking me what was going on with—“

Santiago raises his brows, looking around briefly.

“You mean the morning I don’t know anything about?” he retorts.

“I’m serious.”

“So am I.”

“No more of that bullshit. I mean it.”

Santiago follows his example and puts down the cloth with which he was cleaning the counters, and grabs two of the little chairs in the back, offering one to Frankie.

“Okay,” Santiago starts. “What about that morning?”

“What you saw… it was right. You were right.”

Santiago stares at him with a blank expression, which only makes Frankie more restless in return.

“Well color me intrigued and shocked,” he replies, to which Frankie rolls his eyes.

“You know me. You guys know me. I’m not a cheater. It’s not who I am, it’s not what I do. It’s not what I would ever do. I am not the kind of man who hurts those he loves. I just—I couldn’t help it. And I know that’s weak and pathetic and a fucking cliché but I—from the second the stood before me, that fucking moment in the restaurant when I saw her again, I knew it was a sign. Maybe a dark omen, I don’t—I don’t fucking know. I knew it was something.”

“Does Andrea know about any of this?”

“I don’t know exactly what she knows. I know that the two of them spoke about this, and apparently Andrea was very calm and understanding about this, which only makes me doubt things even more.”

“What are you doubting?”

“Everything! Every single fucking thing! Andrea’s been acting a bit weird with this break and I just can’t shake the feeling that something’s up, but I can’t really say anything, now can I? How the fuck can I when… look at what I did.”

Frankie lowers his head into the ground, leaving his friend to contemplate and glare at his figure. He hasn’t seen Frankie so down in years, and it’s clear he’s struggling with a lot of things, but he also needs to at least try to have a clear mind.

“Were you two together when this happened?” Santiago asks, and Frankie immediately shakes his head in denial. “Well listen, if you were separated when this went down, I wouldn’t call it cheating. She’s the one who decided she needed time away from you and your relationship.”

“I still feel… dirty.”

Santiago searches for his eyes, and when he finds them, they’re teary and gray, possibly from the lack of proper rest.

“Fish,” he calls out to him in a grave voice. “Do you love her?”

This isn’t about Andrea, Frankie realizes. That’s not the “she” he’s being asked about, and it’s not the “she” he had in mind, anyway.

“I’ve always been in love with her,” he confesses. “I never stopped. All that I felt for her… it never stopped. When I met Andrea, I did like her. I’ve grown to like her, I’ve learned to love her, how to fall in love with her, but it just… it wasn’t the same.”

“Okay, so you’re not just messing around.”

“No, fuck no! I love her. I love her so much it actually hurts. It physically hurts. Like my heart’s not even my own anymore. It’s hers. It belongs to her. And I know she loves me, too.”

“You gotta clean this up then.”

“I know. And I want to, I will. I’m picking up Andrea tonight, and I’m gonna tell her.”

“What are you gonna tell her, exactly?”

Frankie freezes, realizing he doesn’t actually have a speech prepared or anything of the sort. Truth be told, he’s too nervous to lay things down logically. All he knows is that he has to get his feelings out and be honest.

“I’m gonna be honest with her,” Frankie says. “She’s been calling and texting like crazy, said she wants us to work no matter what, and it’s just making things worse. I can’t keep doing this.”

Santiago pats him on his shoulder.

“I’m gonna tell her… we can’t go through with the wedding,” Frankie continues absentmindedly. “And that she was right to have doubts, because there are things between us we never even talked about. Her parents basically shoved us together, didn’t give us much say in the matter. I think she’s still feeling intimidated by them, like she still has to earn their approval for everything, including a marriage.”

“That’s just messed up.”

“I know.”

“Why propose in the first place then?”

“Because! Because I was convinced it was the right thing to do, the smart choice. I care about her, so I thought sure, why not? It’ll do her good to be with someone with an apparently good reputation, and it’ll be great for me too.”

“Fish…”

“Andrea is nice and warm and safe and… I do love her in a way. Theoretically she’s good for me. It’s just—“

“But it’s not the same.”

Frankie shakes his head slowly. “It’s not the same. I mean I love her because of and in spite of that.”

“Dangerous territory to be on.”

“Tell me about it.”

“But hey, you’re gonna tell her tonight, and things will be better after that.”

“I hope so.”

“Just stop fucking around with the mistress till then.”

Frankie throws him an ugly glare. “We’re not fucking around. And don’t ever call her that.”

While Santiago nods in approval and resumes his work, Frankie still contemplates. Just a few more hours, and he’ll be a free man. He’ll set himself and Andrea free, as well as you.

Just a few more hours.

previous | next

[maretinelli]

ACTS OF GIFTS

Jake Peralta X fem!reader

Summary: They have always been those couples who give gifts for nothing, but it is always good to remind the other person how much you love them. That is, apart from gifts.

Words: 1.2K+

Warnings: Jake being a cute, happy boyfriend and suggestive ending.

Author: English is not my first language, sorry for any mistakes that may be in the story. And I love Jake, I want him for myself (sorry Amy)

Y/s: Surname

MASTERLIST

Jake and Y/n were the typical gift-giving couple. They said 'I love you' in the form of shared gifts. Jake was more of the flowers, coffees, pizzas and cases that Y/n would like to have. Detective Y/s, on the other hand, loved making gifts by hand, painting on canvas, homemade meals, letters made in her beautiful handwriting - Peralta's words.

They said I love you, but in the way only they knew how.

That day, Jake had to leave home early, as he would be with Boyle for 12 hours on a chase mission, in which they were supposed to arrest one of the biggest drug dealers in New York. But before leaving, he arranged his daily 'I love you' for Y/n.

"Good morning, squad" Detective Y/s smiles as she enters the pen.

Everyone at 99° looks in the woman's direction, some giving a kind and friendly smile.

"Good morning, Y/N," Amy says smiling. "I see you woke up looking radiant today," she says, placing her hands on the belt of her sergeant's uniform.

Y/n smiles shyly and takes off her coat, placing it on the chair that was in front of her desk with Jake.

"After Jake moved into her house, she's always been radiant," Rosa says teasingly and goes into the kitchen to heat up her coffee.

Y/n rolls her eyes, but doesn't complain. Because it was true.

Y/n has never loved a man as much as Jake. He was unique, he was romantic, he is Jake Peralta!

"Diaz knows things!" Y/n says making everyone laugh.

The conversation flowed between Amy and Y/n, as Santiago was now downstairs and didn't have much time to talk to his best friend. Which made Y/n not notice Jake's little 'I love you' on her desk.

"See you later, darling" Santiago says, heading towards the elevator to go back to his work.

Y/n smiles and finally sits down in her chair, noticing a cup of her favorite coffee that would now be cold, given how long it took her to notice it there. And a note, in a lilac envelope, with Jake's handwriting.

She smiles shyly and holds the note, mentally reading what was written and struggling to understand Peralta's handwriting.

Which made her make a mental note to give Jake calligraphy lessons that night.

"Baby, I'm going on a mission with Boyle. But here's my dose of 'I love you'. Because I love you so much, sweetie."

She rolls her eyes at the last nickname, but smiles, putting the letter away lovingly in the pocket of the jeans she was wearing.

"What's that stupid smile on your face?" Gina asks, looking at the woman, with her cell phone in her hand. "You look like someone has put a spell on you."

Y/n turns to Gina and playfully sticks her tongue out at her friend.

"Shut up, you only talk like that because there's no one" she smiles.

"What's up little girl, that hurt" Linetti pretends to be offended.

Y/n becomes serious and embarrassed.

"Ah, sorry..."

"I'm kidding, silly." Gina laughs. "It's good to see you guys like this." She refers to Jake and Y/N. "Good to know that Jake found someone who loves him just as much." She smiles, and goes back to doing what she was doing before.

Y/n murmurs a small 'thank you' and goes to the kitchen to heat the coffee that Jake had given her before arriving at work.

•••••••••••••••••••••

Hours and hours had passed and Jake and Y/n's shift was almost over.

Peralta had already returned with Boyle, and together, they managed to bring in the criminals they were after.

Right now, they were in the interrogation room and Y/n was organizing her desk before leaving.

"Want to go to Shaw's?" Rosa asks putting on her leather jacket.

"Not today. But thanks for the invite."

Diaz nods with a quick smile and leaves the 99th with Gina, Amy and Terry. Leaving only Y/n, and the two who were in the interrogation room with the criminals.

Since Scully and Hitchcock were long gone.

Y/s was so focused on organizing her paperwork, that she didn't even see Jake approaching her from behind.

"Hey, honey." He grabs her shoulders, making her jump and grab her holster at her waist as she quickly turns around. "Hey, hey, hey!! It's me." Jake laughs.

Y/n sighs in relief and laughs too.

"Sorry, I think the tiredness is making me hallucinate criminals," she says, putting her arms around her boyfriend's shoulders and making him smile.

"I missed you." He puts his hands on the woman's waist.

"I know, because I felt it too," Y/n says. Making Peralta close the distance between them and pull the woman into a passionate kiss, full of love and longing they felt for each other that day.

The passionate kiss lasted a few seconds until the air ran out in both of their lungs. Jake puts his forehead against his girlfriend's and Y/n smiles at the act. Since Jake wasn't much for physical contact.

Except when they were in bed. Oh, he liked that.

"I love you," he says, smiling passionately and probably with tears in his eyes.

God, he was so grateful to have her in his life.

Y/n frowns and steps back a little.

"What there was?"

He laughs.

"Hey, I'm telling you I love you. Can I?" Jake laughs again.

Y/n rolls her eyes playfully and shakes her head.

"Of course you can, you idiot." She runs her hand over his shoulder. "But you rarely say it."

"I know that a gesture is worth a thousand words, but it's always good to say "I love you", so that you never forget it"

Y/n smiles lovingly.

"Oh Jake!" Tears welled in her eyes. "Of course I know you love me. What would be the point of all the coffee you give me?" She joked, making him laugh. "Now seriously Jake, I know you love me. Look at how much you do for us." Y/n looked deep into his eyes. "I love you."

Jake smiles, hugging her.

"I love you so much, Jacob Peralta"

"Eeww!!" He yells, pulling away from her.

"What happened?" she laughs almost laughing.

"You called me Jacob. Nooo!!" He grimaces.

"Okay, okay!! I love you, Jake, love of my life Peralta" she makes a drama, talking loudly and shaking"

"Much better!!" He smiles pulling her in and kissing her.

"Oh, love is beautiful!" They hear Charles' voice behind them.

"CHARLES, YOU'RE STILL HERE!!"

"Sure, I love seeing your love," Boyle says like a silly friend.

"BOYLE!!" Jake complains again.

"Okay, okay. I came to get my coat, I'm going. Good night!!"

He says goodbye to the couple and leaves the police station.

"We have to go too, I'm starving and I want our house" Jake says, grabbing his bag from the table.

"When I get home I want to do something with you" Y/n says.

"Uuuh, sex?" Peralta suggests happily.

"JAKE, NO!!" Y/n grimaces, even though she likes the idea. "I want you to do calligraphy, it took me a while to read the letter you left me with the coffee."

Jake laughs, but frowns: "Damn..."

Y/n looks at him and smiles, as Jake presses the elevator button.

But later that week, Jake had proposed to the love of his life.

[up-in-space-reading]

Average Weekly Screentime - Chap 2: Motorbikes and Movie Nights

pairing: Jake Peralta x Amy Santiago

word count: 1908

warnings/tags: college au, texting, drunk texting, text fic (mostly, there's prose a few chaps in), bets, bisexual!jake peralta, jake peralta has adhd, parties, drinking and alcohol, sexual references, implied sexual content (nothing explicit, just suggested its going to happen/has happened), friends to lovers, swearing, mentions of cannibalism, lighthearted threats of violence (typical rosa stuff yk), fluff

read on ao3

Average Weekly Screentime masterlist

Story Summary: texting fic college AU with the squad! It's the beginning of the school year and while everyone else thinks it'll be the same as the previous year, Gina has a feeling things are going to be different and wagers a bet with Rosa and Charles. Told through all the various group chats everyone is in.

Chap 1 | Chap 2 | Chap 3 | Chap 4 | Chap 5 | Chap 6 | Chap 7 | Chap 8 | Chap 9 | Chap 10

authors note: i was gonna wait until i had more written to post another chapter but i felt bad making you wait so here is another chapter! i wanted to title this chapter differently but the one i first came up with rhymes so we've GOTTA stick with that.

Thank you for reading and hope you enjoy!! <3

Jimmy Jabbers

[11:23am, Thursday]

Queen G: okay we NEED to go to a party this weekend or im gonna start pulling my hair out Queen G: im being semi-serious btw

RoRo: name a time and place RoRo: I just show up if I feel like it

Pineapples: gina ur a genius Pineapples: party this weekend is a m u s t

Mr Grapes: I’m in but does anyone even know someone having a party

Four Eyes: I’m with Rosa, name the time and place and I’ll see if I can make it

Queen G: firstly – ur not getting out of this one amy, nice try tho Queen G: secondly – charles I know MANY people and at least one of them will be having a party Queen G: give me 10 and I’ll sort everyones weekend plans

Pineapples: love u gina

Queen G: thank u

-

Sexy Bitches

[11:28am, Thursday]

Sexy: what are ur weekend plans ter?

Ter Bear: James is throwing a party at ours on Saturday. Claims its his birthday but his birthday is in summer

Sexy: and im assuming ur gonna invite ur bestie gina?

Ter Bear: Sure, but you can’t DJ

Sexy: seriously??? Sexy: what if i sent u my playlist Sexy: u can make an informed decision

Ter Bear: Fine, but I’m not making any promises

-

Jimmy Jabbers

[11:33am, Thursday]

Queen G: great news! Queen G: ter bear having a party at his

Pineapples: count me in!

Mr Grapes: me too!

RoRo: yeah sure

Four Eyes: I don’t know..

Pineapples: still recovering from the last party??

Four Eyes: Very much so Four Eyes: I’ll come but no drinking

Queen G: boooooooo

Four Eyes: I’ll be designated driver?

Queen G: amy ur the beessttt

-

Skipping School Is(n’t) Cool

[11:38am, Thursday]

Ferris: u dont have to come

Cameron: I know, I’ll probably regret if I don’t though. My mother keeps bothering me to make sure I’m making the most out college

Ferris: what if making the most out of it is being a regular in the library and handing assignments in a week early Ferris: has ur mom ever considered that

Cameron: Haha I don’t think she has but I’ll bring it up next time she calls me

Ferris: tell her i said that Ferris: i want credit

Cameron: Will do

-

Jimmy Jabbers

[9:06pm, Saturday]

Four Eyes: Leaving my dorm now, you all better be ready. Meet you in the parking lot.

Queen G: rosa and i on our way

Pineapples: charles and i also on our way

Four Eyes: Can’t believe I wasn’t invited to any of the getting ready sessions?!

Queen G: we were pregaming Queen G: next time u will be invited

Four Eyes: Fine. Now get your asses down here.

-

[10:04pm, Saturday]

Four Eyes: Can’t believe I’ve already lost Rosa, does anyone know where she is?

Queen G: with me Queen G: we’re dancing and drinking

Four Eyes: Fantastic

-

[11:24pm, Saturday]

Pineapples: anyone seen amy?? Pineapples: cant find her

RoRo: shut up or come to the kitchen and drink peralta

Queen G: charles hitting on a girl Queen G: trainwreck

-

Skipping School Is(n’t) Cool

[11:26pm, Saturday]

Ferris: where r u?

Cameron: Outside, it was too loud inside

Ferris: u okay?

Cameron: I’m fine, will be in soon

-

Jimmy Jabbers

[12:28pm, Sunday]

Pineapples: my whole body has dry mouth

Four Eyes: I’m not surprised considering you almost threw up in my car

Pineapples: worth it

-

Skipping School Is(n’t) Cool

[12:43pm, Sunday]

Ferris: u alright?

Cameron: I’m fine, I just really don’t think I was in the mood for that party last night

Ferris: fair enough Ferris: when i feel like that i pretend to be a different person

Cameron: I’m not surprised you do that, maybe next time I’ll try it. For now I’m gonna focus on studying

Ferris: as if u need to do more

Cameron: There’s always new material to be worked on, you know

Ferris: news to me lol

-

Jimmy Jabbers

[06:54pm, Tuesday]

Pineapples: calling it now Pineapples: anakin is darth vader

Four Eyes: Wait what???

Mr Grapes: jake, have you ever seen star wars??

Pineapples: this is my first time! Pineapples: i get why people like these

Four Eyes: Oh my God..

Pineapples: i gotta ask tho Pineapples: why the purple lightsaber

Mr Grapes: don’t worry about it, it really doesn’t matter

Pineapples: sure thing!

-

[07:45pm, Tuesday]

Pineapples: im literally so smart guys

Four Eyes: Jake in the nicest way possible, everyone knew about Anakin

Pineapples: seriously??

Queen G: even i knew that and i dont watch movies like that

Pineapples: aw man…

RoRo: Jake ‘I worked out that Anakin was Darth Vader all on my own’ Peralta

Pineapples: idc i still liked the movie

-

Bi Besties

[04:02pm, Wednesday]

Dagger: if you message me one more time about this I’ll burn your die hard poster

El Baboso: i know about motorbikes I swear!

Dagger: gina knows more about motorbikes than you do

El Baboso: wanna take that bet?

Dagger: NO JAKE

-

Jimmy Jabbers

[04:04pm, Wednesday]

Pineapples: @Queen G can u name some motorbikes?

Queen G: sure thing babe Queen G: bike 1, bike 2, bike 3, bike 4, bike 5, bike 6, harry Harley, harriet Harley, henry Harley, hobie Harley, hotel Harley, and bike 7

RoRo: I have nothing to say

Pineapples: check. mate.

-

Skipping School Is(n’t) Cool

[08:03pm, Friday]

Ferris: amy can i be super honest with u rn?

Cameron: Of course, is everything okay?

Ferris: this is hard for me to admit tbh Ferris: but ive gotta do whats best

Cameron: Jake, you’re making me worried

Ferris: i need help

Cameron: Are you alright? What’s going on?

Ferris: im behind on assignments and idk what im doing Ferris: can u help me???

Cameron: That’s it?! You scared the hell out of me! Cameron: Yes, I can help you with the assignments as long as you don’t do that again

Ferris: pinky promise! Ferris: library tomorrow??

Cameron: Sounds good

-

Dance Squad

[01:32pm, Saturday]

G-Hive: ive just gotten some incredibly interesting news

Charlese: dish sis!

G-Hive: ignoring that G-Hive: jake and amy are studying together at the library

Scary: and?

G-Hive: and?! G-Hive: they’re getting cozy

Charlese: they didn’t invite anyone else? that’s weird

G-Hive: i never thought id say this but thank you charles! G-Hive: you get it!!

Scary: so what, you think there’s something happening?

G-Hive: nothing serious because its just studying but voluntarily spending time alone together G-Hive: bit suspish if u ask me

Charlese: its all coming together and im on track to win this bet Charlese: get ready to pay up guys

Scary: absolutely not happening, just because they’re studying alone together doesn’t mean they’re gonna get together in the next three weeks

G-Hive: but its a step in the right direction

Charlese: i still have confidence

Scary: and its still misplaced

-

Skipping School Is(n’t) Cool

[10:06am, Wednesday]

Cameron: Holt has just sent out an email cancelling this afternoon’s class, do you want to go to the library and work on your assignments for a bit?

Ferris: thats great news i should really check my email more Ferris: library sounds good as long as we get food Ferris: im hungry

Cameron: Did you not have breakfast this morning?

Ferris: ran out of fruit loops Ferris: heartbreaking tbh

Cameron: Your nutrition (or lack thereof) scares me

Ferris: thank u!

-

Jimmy Jabbers

[09:35pm, Thursday]

Queen G: manifesting that one day ill have a famous bf

RoRo: are you doing anything to actually achieve that goal?

Queen G: chris evans is bad in bed and if he wants me to stop saying it he’ll have to come prove me wrong

Pineapples: i second that!!

-

[11:32am, Saturday]

Four Eyes: Does anyone want to come get lunch at Sal’s?

Queen G: cant, getting my nails done

RoRo: also can’t, gina dragged me to her nail appointment

Pineapples: yeah im down for lunch

Mr Grapes: I’m ordering in Ethiopian so I’ll pass Mr Grapes: next time though!

-

Skipping School Is(n’t) Cool

[11:34am, Saturday]

Cameron: Meet outside the building?

Ferris: see u in a few!

-

Dance Squad

[11:34am, Saturday]

G-Hive: its all happening babes

Scary: sure it is

-

Jimmy Jabbers

[01:08am, Friday]

Pineapples: i wanna start by saying that i will NOT be held accountable for my own actions Pineapples: now, free of judgement Pineapples: how do i get red wine out of carpet

-

[01:13am, Friday]

Pineapples: you guys suck

-

Skipping School Is(n’t) Cool

[01:16am, Friday]

*Ferris made an audio call to Cameron*

“Jake, what’s wrong?”

“I spilled a drink on the carpet of my dorm and I don’t know what to do, they’ll charge me to replace the carpet or something and I can’t afford that-“

“Okay okay, calm down it’s gonna be fine. What did you spill, and be honest with me”

“Red wine..”

“What?”

“I wanted to try it because I’ve never had it before and I went to put the glass down on the table and miscalculated and knocked my hand and it spilled”

“Is your hand okay?”

“Yeah its fine”

“Okay great, the next time you drink red wine in your dorm I’m going to kill you. Now, you’re gonna need two cups of warm water, tablespoon of dish soap, tablespoon of vinegar and mix together. Pour on the stain in little bits and blot until its disappeared”

“You’re a lifesaver Ames, I owe you big time”

“Yes you do. Now I’m going back to sleep, goodnight”

“Goodnight”

-

[01:29am, Friday]

Cameron: 1 image attached Cameron: good as new!

-

[08:02am, Friday]

Ferris: I’m glad. Never drink red wine in your dorm ever again.

-

[10:12am, Friday]

Cameron: i promise!

-

The Night Boys

[10:15am, Friday]

Sidewinder: sorry I didn’t see your message in the chat Sidewinder: how did u go with the stain?

Deathblade: i called amy and she told me how to clean it up Deathblade: looks good as new now! Deathblade: 1 image attached

Sidewinder: THAT’S SO GREAT

Deathblade: thanks

-

Dance Squad

[10:17am, Friday]

Charlese: 1 image attached Charlese: well well well

G-Hive: boyle if u win this bet im going to delete my insta

Charlese: tempting offer but I’ll do you the kindness of just taking your $50

G-Hive: god i hate u

-

Jimmy Jabbers

[11:49am, Saturday]

Pineapples: anyone up for a movie night tonight?

Queen G: only if its a fun movie

RoRo: why not

Mr Grapes: absolutely!! looking through my DVDs as we speak

Four Eyes: Yeah sure, I could use a break

Pineapples: wonderful!! Pineapples: pls gather at mine at like 8 and bring ur best movie suggestion Pineapples: everyone give me money for Chinese food

Queen G: god ur cheap

Pineapples: im not made of money gina

Four Eyes: How much do you want?

Pineapples: lets call it an even $12 each

Mr Grapes: worth it for a movie night with my buds

RoRo: boyle ruined it

-

Skipping School Is(n’t) Cool

[08:23pm, Saturday]

Ferris: btw i liked ur movie suggestion Ferris: even if gina didnt

Cameron: Thanks :)

-

Dance Squad

[09:03pm, Saturday]

Charlese: they’re sitting next to each other

G-Hive: and im sitting next to rosa G-Hive: doesnt mean we’re in love with each other

Charlese: its gotta mean SOMETHING

Scary: it doesn’t mean shit except that there’s hardly any seating in this dorm

Charlese: you guys have no sense of romance

Chap 1 | Chap 2 | Chap 3 | Chap 4 | Chap 5 | Chap 6 | Chap 7 | Chap 8 | Chap 9 | Chap 10

authors note: Fun fact: that star wars thing is literally me, i didn't know anakin was darth vader and then guessed it when i watched the movies for the first time and everyone was like "you didn't know???!!!". The motorbike one is also a direct quote from my bestie <3

I tried to be less party heavy this chapter, they do have a life outside of going to house parties but i will warn the next chapter involves a party (i am gonna tease that there's non-texting writing in it tho). Also this chapter now with added terry for one of the lovely commenters on the first chap, it isnt much but i hope u liked it!

Thanks again, i love you!! <3 next chap will be out as soon as its done!

[lady-of-the-spirit]

Character Bingo: Amy Santiago, Marcus Whitmore, Castlevania Noctune Annette

Amy!

I relate so hard to Amy. Awkward, anxious, and wants things to be a certain way and gets nervous when they're not? Me.

"Done dirty by fans" and "everyone but me is wrong about them" is due to people not caring about her as much as they do about Jake. I am STILL so peeved about how often I try to find fics about Amy getting hurt/comforted but Jake is taking up the whole tag. Like. Searching for fics where Amy has an allergic reaction to dogs and only finding fics about Jake having allergic reactions to bees. And we found out in canon it's not even that serious! When Amy canonically is deathly allergic! Ugh. Anyway.

Marcus!

"Wasted potential" and "why do they look like that" apply to the book only. Every time I remember Marcus is supposed to be blond and look like a surfer boy in the books I'm like No he doesn't! Because he doesn't, not to me. Wasted potential in terms of... idk we just don't see as much of him in the books vs the show and it saddens me. He doesn't get nearly enough character in the books. (I know Time's Convert is about him and Phoebe but. A little too late.) (I also didn't finish it, I got bored. I'm sorry Marcus and Phoebe I love you.)

Done dirty by fans in the sense that. I care about him and Phoebe but not enough people do. Also why are there not more fics about him and Matthew??? Fr???

Marcus has more depth than ppl think. Will die on this hill. Also he should have gone apeshit on Matthew at one point.

Annette!

Tbh I don't have much to say about her because what could I say that hasn't already been said better by someone else??? She's cool as fuck in personality AND design and I love her.

[grapecase]

HSS: Girlfriend and Girlfriend (MC x Maria) part 2.

[sweaterweather-247]

Yandere Brooklyn 9-9: which ones would be the worst to have love you

All gender neutral except Holt

Hitchcock and Scully 1/10

Maybe in their youth, they’d be able to keep you yours forever, but they’re old and don’t have any energy. All you’d have to do is feed them and then wait for them to fall asleep to grab their keys and escape. They’d be sad but I don’t think they’d have the energy to look for you.

Charles Boyle 4/10

Charles does love you a lot but is clumsy, Charles will cook for you and be very loving and his punishments aren’t bad. He cooks the best meals and always tells you the best cop stories. But he can be unstable and is very jealous, so be careful who you talk about to him, because he’s a cop and has connections. Your male co-worker who told you a funny joke 10 years ago? Gone, Charles can’t have you thinking of other men. Charles would never hurt any women you talk about. You might escape one day but he will hunt you down.

Terry Jeffords 6/10

Terry is a big guy and scary looking but he has a big heart and tons of love he wants to share with you. Terry will cook food for you and make sure you’re never bored while he’s gone, he cuddles you and finds activities for you two to do together. But Terry is hard to escape from, he’s strong and when he yells, everyone within a 3-mile distance can hear it. If you’re brave enough to try to escape him, hope you are ready to be yelled at. But he will apologize for yelling and will give you cuddles!

Gina Linetti 7/10

Gina is rich and powerful, she has connections with the police and other powerful people. Gina has you locked up in a secure place where no one will ever find you. She has all of your electronics and will text your friends and family that you hate them. Gina will force you to be in videos and you’re forced to play the partner who loves her dearly. If you even think of trying to escape, Gina will tell her fanbase embarrassing things about you. If the police try to take you from her, she will force you to tell them you’re ok and you want to stay with Gina forever.

Raymond Holt 8/10 (the reader is male)

Holt is a very serious man and will do anything to protect the people he loves from danger. He has connections and will use them to keep you safe or get rid of someone in your life. Holt has so much experience with tracking people down and will use it to find you if you ever escape.

Jake Peralta 9/10

Jake, is the best detective in the NYPD. Jake is a loving boyfriend and will do anything to make you happy and loved. However, he gets easily jealous and will track down anyone who loves you and make them disappear. Jake can also be manipulative and make you want to stay, he uses his daddy issues to make you feel bad for him. Jake is incredibly smart and will find you if you escape.

Amy Santiago 10/10

Amy is very smart and talented and has a million plans for everything. Amy will be like a strict mother and force you to be healthy. Amy forces you to eat even if you’re not hungry, she makes you take vitamins and other pills to keep you healthy. Even if you do escape, Amy will track you down, even if you left New York, she will find you and her punishments will make you regret escaping.

Rosa Diaz 11/10

Rosa will do anything to protect the people she loves, even if it means hurting them. Rosa has very strict rules and will not hesitate to punish you for the smallest of mistakes. She monitors you 24/7 and will yell at you if you break a rule when she’s not there. Rosa will beat you if you try to escape and has more painful punishments if you even think of trying to fight her

[letsperaltiago]

you and all your little things | jake & amy

Based on an old prompt I received in my inbox a loooong time ago:

"this is either a fic request or just a nice thought, depending on if you like it haha! i saw a reddit post today about a woman who said she loves finding kitchen appliances in the wrong place bc she knows that means her boyfriend must have tidied up the kitchen. she said on a stressful day, coming home and finding something in the wrong place makes her feel happy that her bf is trying to do something to make her day easier - even if he messes up a little. gave me early j&a vibes, season 3ish"

Rating: G (Pure fluff <3)

Words: 1.4k

Read here or on AO3

----

She doesn’t think too much about it… Or maybe rather she tries not to think too much about it. 

Amy Santiago tries not to think too much about the fact that she really likes being in a relationship: the solid, silly, and amazing kind with Jake Peralta. She might even be loving it, if she has to be completely honest.  

It’s the smallest things she usually loves the most and it drives her that much more insane that the man does the tiniest, trivial things and she swoons as if he’s asking for her hand in marriage - not that she’s thinking about that yet… duh. Or… maybe a bit? How can a guy she’s been with for just barely 6 months mean so much to her already? Is that normal? More importantly: is it safe? 

Even during the entire (and very intense) ‘annoying and difficult to be around’-phase Jake happened to go through when she first started at the 9-9, deep (very deep at times) down,  Amy always knew she liked Jake. Even before they were dating, obviously, but now that she has him her true and completely unhinged feelings are starting to surface and show. Slowly, bit by bit like the iceberg in the horizon, threatening to come closer and crash into her. No, of course, she doesn’t think of their relationship as a fatal shipwreck but they did just watch Titanic a few days ago and the metaphor is right there. After the movie, tiredly stretching after having fallen asleep with her head resting in his lap, Jake had suddenly gone silent and looked at her through the dark with a look so intense she could’ve sworn he was about to tell her a century old secret that could change the world. 

“Ames?” he’d said so seriously that it made her heart drop to her gut.

“Y-yeah?” 

“I’m about to ask you something very important.” Even in the dimmed light of her scented candles, she could see the depth of his brown irises grow darker. What had happened to the lighthearted and never-serious boyfriend of hers? 

“W-what?” She was tired, disoriented from her mid-movie nap, and now she was supposed to sit here and just witness him breaking up with her or something. Her life was definitely a joke. Silence swallowed them as he reached over the tiny gap between them and grabbed her hands. Another few seconds snailed by. Neither moved from their seats on the couch. 

“Will you paint me like one of your french girls?” 

What? Her brain short-circuited. 

“What?”

Then she saw it. A glimt, so mischievous it couldn’t hide, ever, appeared in his eyes. Lips broke into a tight line that told her he was holding back a grin. Even in the darkness, it was clear as day that he was messing with her. 

“Jacob, you asshole!” she punched his shoulder and he finally broke, letting out a cackle. 

So yeah, no actual Titanic happening in their relationship, and Jake has totally stolen her heart, and Amy is all at once completely enamoured but also horribly scared of how quickly she’s falling… getting used to it. Mainly, as already mentioned, the little things. 

Jake utterly, obliviously and completely messes with her way of thinking logically and even worse… her love and respect for organizing. 

Example: A couple of months ago, Jake had stayed the night. Even though she was going to work the in the morning, while he had a day off, Jake had insisted on staying the night. In the morning he’d sent her off with a kiss (and a playful smack to the butt) before passing back out in her bed. Driving to work Amy couldn’t help but overthink all the mess she’d come home to because untidiness was part of her boyfriend’s DNA. Even though it took some minor controversies and time getting used to, now she didn’t mind too much. Cleaning was fun and if it meant that Jake was making himself at home and stuck around more often then she’d gladly put up with it. It was safe to say that she was both pleasantly surprised and amused upon arriving back home to her now-empty apartment. 

When she walked into her home the air was crisp, clean even, telling her that Jake had aired the apartment for her before leaving. Lucky her because she’s pretty sure that the smell of their miserably burnt popcorn from last night must’ve been hell to get rid of. Suddenly she wondered what else he’d done. She didn’t expect anything but maybe Jake Peralta had the potential of being a tidy boyfriend. After taking off her boots and coat, putting it away as per usual, Amy wandered through her apartment as if she was visiting an exhibition at a museum; curious to learn and openminded. 

The blanket from last night was folded and rested across the sofa’s armrest - just how she always did herself but she’s positive that she didn’t do that yesterday. They’d made out on the couch and Jake had carried her straight to bed to continue the horny activities. It was safe to say that neither of them had gone back to the living room after that. Sure, the blanket could’ve been folded more neatly but Amy couldn’t possibly get herself to do anything about it; she’d been too busy smiling from ear to ear at the image of her boyfriend folding the huge, black plaid to the best of his abilities. 

The kitchen had been cleaned as well but she did happen to do a double-take when her eyes wandered across the sight of their two mugs (yes, they have stupid matching couples’ mugs) standing very much washed and clean, she also noticed, on top of her coffee machine.  Following her own logic, mugs would always belong in the cupboard: above the plates, next to the glasses. 

However then, suddenly, Amy could also see it from her boyfriend’s point of view: what do you use mugs for? Coffee. Where do you make the coffee? Coffee machine. Duh. Thus they belong together. 

She’d napped a picture of it and sent it to him right away. 

Amy Santiago:

Never thought of doing this but it somehow makes sense.

A few moments later her phone pinged, notifying her of a new message.

Jake Peralta:

oh ames welcome to the wonderfully logical world of jake peralta

She’d chuckled at it before heading for further exploration of her own home. Besides it being tidy as usual (almost up to her own very high standards) she didn’t notice much. The bed was made, shower scraped clean and his dirty clothes in her laundry basket. From day one they’d made a rule: she didn’t mind washing his clothes but the least he could do was put it in the laundry basket and not leave it all over the place. Never had he broken the rule.  And for him to clothes leave behind for her to wash is okay since he always does the same for her when she leaves something behind at his place - so far he’s only turned two of her white items pink. The first time, very early on in their dating slash situationship, he'd confessed straight away.

Jake Peralta:

don’t be mad. i turned your t-shirt the color of love.

click to open attachment. 

He’d texted her the first time.

Amy Santiago:

Wow, what a unique take on messing up my white t-shirt.

Jake Peralta:

sorry :( 

Amy Santiago:

It’s okay <3 I’ll just have to steal one of yours

The second time he'd left the item on her bed, folded in something resembling a heart, with a note with 'color of love' and a tiny heart next to it. She couldn't be mad - even if it was her night shorts. The note she kept in her drawer. 

Although she hadn’t noticed earlier that day he'd stayed over on his day off, she later comes one more puzzling yet amusing surprise. One is when she’d been looking for her reading glasses and couldn’t find them, only to randomly come across them… lying next to her toothbrush. She’d been more than curious to understand the logic behind the placement and sent him a picture. 

Amy Santiago:

What is the logic behind this? 

Jake Peralta:

You always read in bed before going to sleep. You always brush your teeth right before getting into bed. I thought it was normal to pair the two? 

Wow. She’d been smiling and blushing so hard and if he had been there with her then he definitely would’ve teased her about it. 

He definitely wasn’t a titanic. He was a million things, tiny little things, that made her heart flutter and lips curl into stupid school girl smiles. What can she say? Jake Peralta has a wonderfully weird brain and she’s slowly, bit by bit, falling more and more in love with him and his logic. 

[peralta-guaranteed]

“I kinda wish something could happen between us. Romantic stylez.”

Amy can’t stop staring at Jake. He’s never looked this serious in all the years she’s known him. Not during interrogations, not while testifying in court. He’s smiling, shy, nervous, but - so serious.

The words are echoing in her head as if they’ve been standing in silence for hours instead of the few seconds that have actually passed. Romantic Stylez. With Jake. Jake Peralta.

Jake likes her.

She’s with Teddy. Teddy likes her. She’s pretty sure she likes him too. But-

Jake likes her.

Amy’s heart has never beaten so fast, or hurt so much. And suddenly, thinking about Teddy is the last thing she wants to do.

“Anyway, gotta go. America needs me!”

The joke pulls her out of her reverie just as he walks past her to leave. Was he not expecting an answer? Had he given up before even finishing his sentence?

Or was she just too slow again, too oblivious?

She needs to answer him. Even if she doesn’t have one.

Or maybe she does?

“Jake!”

He stops without turning as she jogs after him, to the end of the street, and stands before him a little more breathless than she should be after that short distance.

“Ames?”

His voice is different. So quiet, and... scared, she thinks. He looks worried, actually.

He didn’t expect an answer, she realises.

But she has one to give.

His lips are cold, and so are hers, probably, after standing outside for so long. He stands still, almost tense, as she kisses him too carefully. Too timid. It’s - it doesn’t feel wrong, but it is. That’s not- not the answer she wants to give, and not the answer she wants to receive, either.

“Do it right.” She mumbles against his mouth while barely letting go.

“What?”

“Don’t just stand there, do it right.”

He looks almost shell-shocked as he stares at her, and she can’t really meet his eyes, but then something clicks. Something shifts, and his hand is in her hair, and he’s kissing her, really kissing her, soft and sweet and intense and perfectly right.

This. Amy thinks. This is how it’s supposed to feel.

Jake’s lips on hers, his hand in her hair, his breath on her cheek, his scent in her nose, his warmth in front of her begging her closer. This is it.

She doesn’t want to think about Teddy anymore, she doesn’t want to think about anything but this. But she has to. Because she’s Amy Santiago, rule-follower, straight A student, obedient and on the proper side of things, and kissing her colleague while her boyfriend probably sits at home waiting for a text from her is not any of those things.

(She’ll realise, not soon after, that she doesn’t care about any of those things anymore. Not when she goes home to Teddy’s voice message on her phone making her feel irritated. Not when she comes to work the next day staring at an empty desk in front of her. Not when this moment, this feeling, this everything, keeps replaying in her mind every second she’s not focussed on work. But right now, she still worries.)

Jake sighs softly as their kiss ends, his hand slowly dropping down even as their foreheads still press together and Amy can’t quite open her eyes yet.

“I can’t say No, and I can’t say Yes.” She says, while every fiber of her being screams Yes, screams Kiss him again, screams Don’t let him go.

“Mhm.” Jake hums in agreement while he’s still so close.

“I need to- I need time to think.”

“Well, you get a lot of it, I guess. I’m expecting a full powerpoint presentation when I get back.”

He jokes. He always jokes. But this one makes her heart ache even more, because it’s not really a joke, is it? He knows her. He really knows her.

“Get back.” She echoes. “Stay safe, and get back, please. So you can watch my presentation.”

He snorts that adorable little laughter he has sometimes, when she knows he feels a bit awkward or nervous.

“I’ll try.”

“No-”

“You know I can’t-”

“Jake.”

There’s another moment of silence, and if she thought he looked more serious than ever a few minutes ago, it’s nothing compared to the way his eyes shine right now.

“I promise.”

She kisses him, again, for just a split second, a short little peck that still has everything in her screaming for more. He smiles as she awkwardly pets his lapels, both of them fighting to get some distance inbetween without really wanting to.

“Gotta go. America needs you.”

He snorts again, and god, if he leans forward for another kiss she’ll-

but he doesn’t, because he knows her. He knows that repeating his joke is her way of giving him an out, giving them an out that they desperately need right now. So he just nods, grabs his little box of things that has landed on the hood of whatever car they’ve stopped next to, and walks on.

He turns his head two more times before he finally rounds a corner, and she’s there every time. Smiling.

She can wait.

[avictimofthejazz]

@caughtthefever

Grinding the stub of his cigar out in the ashtray, Face anxiously glanced around the hotel lobby before turning his attention toward Amy. She had been sitting next to him, likely approaching this situation with a good deal more patience than he had been able to muster. Luckily for him, for the most part he could keep his emotions tucked in his head and off his face… unless Hannibal particularly infuriated or unsettled him. Even then, those lapses were around his family. That was different. While he counted Amy in that cohort, the rest of the people in the Beverly Wilshire lobby decidedly did not, especially the sleazy jetsetter they were waiting for. The man was due to come in from a glamourous route taking him through Rio, Sao Paolo, Buenos Aires, Santiago, and Lima, before rounding his trip through Mexico City, and enjoying a vacation in Acapulco. He was finally due back in Los Angeles though… and what most people did not realize was that his luggage would be loaded with the easiest commodity in the world to smuggle—information. If Mousier Baptiste Noyer was merely smuggling diplomatic secrets or spying for someone, Face would have a better idea how to handle this case. But a man who traveled through poorer countries, and lifted designs and ideas off the locals before claiming them for his own fashion line… what was the client expecting the A-Team to do about that? The client, incidentally, was one of Noyer’s employees who thought his practices unethical. Why Hannibal had accepted the job, instead of directing the young woman to take her complaints elsewhere, still eluded Face. The only thing he could think of was that Hannibal suspected if a man could smuggle fashion designs and copies of local motifs so easily, he might be able to smuggle more serious things like weapons plans, state documents, confidential information… information that actually mattered in the grand scheme of the world. If Hannibal had those thoughts in mind though, he had neglected to share them with Face. Folding up his newspaper and dropping it in his lap, Face finally turned toward Amy. “I should have asked this earlier Amy… how’s your French?” His own was quite good, if a bit rusty and oddly pronounced. While the nuns made sure he learned the basics in high school, he really perfected the language while working in South Vietnam… but he had never been able to shake off a few pronunciation habits peculiar to that formerly colonized corner of Asia. “I thought Noyer would show up by now—he always stays at the Wilshire when he’s in LA. His flight could be running late though… or he got mugged somewhere and dropped in a ditch.” While Face had a decent soft spot for the various countries he had traveled to in that end of the world, and had friends in most of them, he also knew they were hardly safe countries. For a couple of Green Berets, they were fine. For one rich guy running around? Well…dumb rich guys were prone to accidents anywhere they went.

[myriadimagines]

Chips and Orange Soda (part ii)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine One Shot

Pairing: Reader x Jake Peralta

Other Characters: Amy Santiago

Warnings: theft, threats of violence

Summary: When a series of bodegas are robbed, Holt assigns Jake and Rosa on the case. You, a cashier, become a suspect, but Jake has a gut feeling that you’re not a suspect at all. In fact, he thinks you’re the key to solving the case.

Part One: Chips and Orange Soda

Word Count: 2,319

A/N: the second part to my submission for @locke-writes​​‘ writing challenge!! admittedly it gets kind of into an ethical dilemma that i didnt mean to go into and that’s unnecessarily deep but you’ll see what i mean ajskdhas but anyway disclaimer again!! not in law enforcement!!! this is not accurate when it comes to crimes!!! i really hope the reveal/ending isn’t too disappointing and that u guys still enjoyed the story!!! it does get a little more serious in this part but i still hope it’s in character/tone with the show!!

reblog/feedback/comments are very much appreciated!!!

Jake is careful to open up the door of the bodega, which is all bordered up with tape as the shattered glass has yet to be replaced. The inside looks better at least, no longer sectioned off with police tape, and business seems to be going on as usual, with customers in between the aisles and some at the counter. Jake resists the urge to grab a snack for himself, and he glances around the room, frowning as he realises there’s no sight of you.

Jake finally approaches a young man manning the cash register. “Hey man, is y/n in?”

He shakes his head. “Sorry dude, they don’t work Tuesdays.”

Jake smacks the side of his head, remembering how you mentioned it to him. He moves to exit the store when he notices the live security footage playing on the screen behind the counter. Pointing it out, Jake says, “Hey, looks like you got your cameras working again.” 

The man looks over his shoulder, before turning back to Jake with furrowed eyebrows. “What?”

Jake frowns slightly, his hand falling to his side. “y/n told me that your cameras were down last week.” 

The man remains confused, staring at Jake as if he’s speaking another language. Slowly, he finally responds, “Nah, they’ve been working fine. I don’t know what y/n’s talking about.” 

Something inside of Jake’s stomach twists, and he frowns. Despite how hard he’s been trying to defend you, he can’t help but admit to himself that you’re not making it easy. He digs through his pockets, pulling out an old receipt, and he grins to himself as he flips it over and finds your number on the other side. Pulling out his phone, he cringes slightly at his 6% battery level, and he hopes he has enough to make a call.

Dialling in your number, he raises the phone to his ear. It rings a few times before someone finally picks up the phone. Taking in a deep breath, Jake says, “y/n? It’s Jake, the detective from last week. We… we need to talk.” 

—

Jake paces around the briefing room, shaking his head as he tries to piece everything together. After coming back to the precinct following his failed attempt to find you at the bodega, Jake had filled up a corkboard with pictures and other small pieces of evidence he and Rosa were able to gather, although it was looking rather sparse. Your lie about the security cameras definitely presents as an obstacle, but he tries not to think the worst of it. He hasn’t told Rosa yet, who had gone out to meet with the forensics team again, fearing what her reaction would be towards you. Maybe you were mistaken, maybe the robbers managed to figure out a way to wipe the footage. But something about the situation doesn’t sit right with Jake, and he lets out a defeated sigh. 

“Hey, Jake,” Amy peeks her head inside, knocking at the door, and Jake looks up. She gestures back to the bullpen as she continues, “You’ve got someone here to see you. Sounds like they’ve got some information on the bodega robberies.” 

Jake perks up, rushing past Amy out of the room. His eyes widen as he sees you linger by his desk, nervously glancing around the room. He nods as a thank you to Amy before making his way over to you, and he greets, “Hey, y/n, thanks for coming in. How have you been doing?”

You meet Jake’s gaze, and you can’t help but soften at his tone. He seems to genuinely care, and you can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of guilt. Nodding, you reassure him, “I’m okay. I’m… I’m glad you reached out, actually. There are some things that I need to tell you about. Can we go for a walk?” 

Jake hesitates. He knows that he should probably bring you to the interrogation room instead, but he finds himself nodding. He grabs his leather jacket hanging on the back of his chair, and he nods towards the elevator as he remarks, “Sure. Let’s go.”

—

You and Jake make your way through the streets of Brooklyn, finding yourself at a nearby local park. You can’t help but smile at the sight of children running around, squealing at one another as they chase each other in some sort of game, but you can’t ignore the pit in your stomach, the gnawing guilt that has plagued you ever since your first interaction with Jake.

You finally happen upon an empty bench in a quiet corner of the park and you silently take a seat. Jake sits beside you, and your breath begins to tremble. Jake patiently waits for you, eyes wide with concern as he finds himself shifting closer to you, subconsciously wanting to comfort you despite not knowing what’s to come. 

“I… I haven’t told you everything that I know about the bodega.” you finally confess, and Jake takes in a deep breath. He nods slowly, silently urging you to continue, and you look up to meet his gaze as you continue, “I know who did it. And the other robberies, too.”

Jake stares at you, and you can tell it’s clearly a lot of information to take in. He presses his lips together, trying to process all this, before he quietly asks, “You’re trying to protect someone, aren’t you?” 

Your expression crumples, and your shoulders slump as you bury your face in your hands. You swore to yourself you wouldn’t cry, but as the overwhelming reality of the situation begins to sink in, you’re suddenly finding it hard to breathe. Jake’s expression falls, and despite knowing that the two of you are practically strangers, he wraps an arm around you, gently rubbing his hand up and down your arm as he tries to soothe you. 

“It feels like I’ve been trying to protect him all my life, but I- I feel like I can’t, anymore.” you manage to say through sobs, and Jake frowns, eyebrows furrowing in concern. Gulping, you finally reveal, “My brother.”

Jake sucks in a sharp breath. He’s all too familiar himself with broken homes, with strained familial relationships. You’re almost afraid to look at him, but Jake’s expression is one of understanding, of sympathy. He gently reassures you, “Take all the time you need, alright?” 

You nod, trying to compose yourself the best you can. You fold your hands into your lap, perhaps a poor attempt at stopping them from shaking, and you manage to hold your tears back long enough for you to begin explaining, “It was always just me and my brother, you know? My single mom had to raise us, but we barely saw her because she was always working. But my brother and I always had each other’s backs, and I thought it would be that way forever.”

You’re distracted as a pair of kids dart past you, and Jake notices the bittersweet smile that appears on your face as you watch them. Quietly, he prompts, “When did you feel like things started to go wrong?” 

“I mean, my brother was always a rowdy kid, always getting into trouble, but it just kept getting worse and worse. I’d try to bail him out, but there was only so much I could do.” you continue. “As we got older, I started seeing him less and less. He’d show up whenever he needed help, but that was it. Until he showed up the night before the bodega robbery.”

“He came to see you?” Jake’s eyes widen in alarm, and you nod. You can feel a pit forming in the bottom of your stomach as you think back to that night, and you uneasily run your hands through your hair. 

“I didn’t know he had robbed those other bodegas. But he came around asking for me to let him and his friend in, basically. Asked me for the key. I told him no, that I could just lend him money, and he… he got angry.” your voice shakes slightly as you stare off at some point in the distance. “We’ve had our fights, obviously, but this was different. I was almost scared of him.”

You screw your eyes shut as you remember seeing the smashed in front door, the fear swallowing you whole as you worried what might happen next. Jake doesn’t try to prompt you further, knowing how difficult this must be for you, and he lets out a soft sigh as he wishes that you didn’t have to go through such a thing.

“I don’t want him to go to jail. I just want him to be okay.” you can feel your words getting caught in your throat as you struggle to continue speaking. “But he doesn’t even feel like my brother anymore. That night was just… I- I don’t know what to do anymore.”

“What about the cameras?” Jake quietly asks.

“That was me.” you sigh, nervously wringing your hands together. “I couldn’t sleep that night, so eventually, I… I just got up and went to see if he had really done it. Part of me still had hope that maybe he didn’t. When I saw the door broken in it just… crushed me. I almost feel like he did it on purpose, to scare me. But I still wanted to protect him, so I… I went in to delete the security footage, and rushed out before anyone could see me.”

Jake leans back onto the bench. This is it, he realises. With your revelations, it seems as though the case is solved. But seeing the heartbreak on your face doesn’t make the solved case as satisfying as it usually is.

“I just feel like I’ve failed him.” your shoulders slump, your voice barely audible. “He’s my family I have, and I just… I just wish it didn’t have to be like this.” 

“Hey, you didn’t fail him, y/n,” Jake gently insists, and to your surprise, he reaches out to take your hand, giving it a squeeze. “You’ve been an awesome sibling, better than he deserves, really. But he chose to do this, and that’s not on you.” 

You nod, trying your best to believe him, and from the earnest expression on Jake’s face, you feel like you could. You manage to muster up a smile, and Jake smiles back at you. Nodding back in the direction of the precinct, Jake tells you, “I do need you to need you to come back to the precinct to make a statement. But you’ve really helped us, y/n, and you did the right thing.” 

A part of you has doubts, but you try your best to take comfort in Jake’s words. Jake gets to his feet, and you stand up with him, and Jake offers you a small smile that reassures you that everything will be okay. 

—

You bump the cash machine closed with your elbow as you count out some change. Sliding it over to the customer alongside their bag of snacks, you politely smile at them before they step aside to leave. You wave the next customer in line forward, only to realise it’s Jake standing before you, and your eyes widen as he offers you a sheepish grin. He steps up to the counter, placing down a bag of chips and a bottle of orange soda, and you exchange a knowing smile as you lean forward, “Hey, Jake. Did… did everything go alright?”

“We got him and his buddy.” Jake confirms, and you let out a breath you didn’t realise you were holding. “They tried to give us the slip, but I chased after them.”

You narrow your eyes slightly, and Jake quickly corrects himself, “Okay, Rosa chased after them, but that doesn’t matter.”  

You laugh, and Jake snorts with you before continuing, “There’ll be a trial, obviously. I’ll give you more updates when I hear them.”

You nod, before sliding Jake’s stuff back to him. You don’t even bother ringing his purchase up as you tell him, “It’s on the house.” 

“What? No.” Jake hurriedly searches through his pockets for some change. “You don’t have to do that.”

“It’s the least I can do.” you insist. Jake offers you some cash, but you shake your head. “Seriously, Jake, thank you, for everything.” 

You reach out, closing Jake’s hand, and your gaze lingers on one another as your hand remains on his. He smiles, and Jake feels like his heart might beat out of his chest as you smile back at him. Before he can stop himself, he blurts, “Do you want to get dinner with me sometime?”

You blink at him in surprise, and Jake winces as he worries he might’ve blown it. Stammering, he continues, “It’s, uh, my way of saying thank you. For helping us solve the case. And for the snacks.” 

Jake watches as a smile spreads across your face, and you chew on your lip as if trying to contain your happiness. “Is this a date?”

Jake grins at you. “It can be.” 

“Just tell me when and where.” you nod excitedly, and Jake beams at you. “I’d love to go out with you, Jake.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Jake claps his hands together. He scoops up his snacks, backing away as he continues, “Hey, I’ve got to run back to the precinct, but I’ll text you, okay?”

“Got it.” you nod, grinning from ear to ear. You can’t help but chuckle as you watch Jake clumsily try to open the door, but he stops himself. 

“Oh! By the way,” Jake spins around on his heel. “Do you guys sell batteries?” 

“Um,” you glance over your shoulder at the inventory behind you. “We’ve got some. What kind do you need?”

“It’s for a clock.” Jake sighs, and you raise an eyebrow at his reaction. “It’s… a long story.”

tag list: @myfriendmagislit / @thedamagedcne / @real-fbi / @writinqss / @thisismysecrethappyplace / @natalia-helena-alianova-romanov / @dontjudgemepeepswrites / @hauntedpocdreamer / @locke-writes / @lgbtonystarks / @fangirlsarah16 / @kittensanddarkclouds / @randomfandomimagine / @ofthedewthesunlight / @bravelittlesunflower / @gothicwidowsworld​ / @halfofwhatisayismeaningless / @amirahiddleston / @interwebseriesfan24​

[fangirlovestuff]

Child’s Play - Chris Evans x reader

a/n- Hey lovely people! the movie in this is completely made up with excessive use of random plot/name generators lol. also, the Melissa I mention is Melissa Fumero who I love and plays Amy on Brooklyn 99, and Anthony is Mackie who we all know and love. Enjoy! <3

Summary: You’re a director and you finally got to direct your husband chris in a movie. Now you just need to get through the press tour...

Word Count: ~1,780

Warnings: none that i’m aware of

You stepped out onto the stage when the interviewer called your name, waving at the crowd which was cheering and clapping.

"And without further ado, let's give a round of applause to Captain America himself, Chris Evans!"

Chris lightly stepped onto the stage, waving at the screaming fans as he took his place next to you. He reached out and squeezed your hand in his, and you returned a squeeze. You both tended to get nervous at these press panels and interviews, even if this one was one you were lucky enough to do together.

"It's so great to have you all here today! The entire cast of the hit movie The Invisible Lights!" the interviewer started and the crowd applauded once more. "First off, I want to start with a question for Chris," she said. He smiled and nodded at her to continue. "Your character in this movie, William Brown, is a sorcerer, but in a casual way, that's like his thing. For you, who, I believe, have never played a character with outright magic powers before, how hard was it to find a window and relate to him?"

"Yeah, it was actually kinda easy, even easier than some other characters I've played, because—"

"He's a wizard guys, it's not that complicated," you cut in and Chris laughed.

"Almost," he says and smiles, "but what I was gonna say before my lovely wife here interrupted me," you made a kissy face at him and he chuckled once more, "was that Will is actually just a nice guy, he experiences everything with the same compassion and excitement and fears just like us normal human beings do, and magic is just a cool bonus to that. So no, I wouldn't say relating to him was any more challenging than to any other character." 

"Thank you, Chris, that was a great answer," the interviewer smiled. "Now Melissa, I actually have a question for you too," she turned to her, "we all know and love you as Amy Santiago, who is a very comedic character, so what drove you towards this part of Nancy, who's just a normal person who's trying to do her job and doesn't get to make as many jokes in this movie as other characters do?"

"Well, I think Amy and Nancy are similar in a lot of ways, you know, they're both very dedicated to their job and are very rational women, but what drew me to this was actually the differences between them. Nancy is less type A, she's a bit more unsure of herself and is more of a "normal person" whereas Amy is more the "nerd" type. Getting to play someone like that just appealed to me a lot."

The interviewer asked you a question next. "So how was directing this movie for you? What's it like directing your husband in a movie?" the audience cheers a little at that. 

"Well, I gotta say it's one of the most fun sets I've been on, and not only because Chris was there," you smiled. "I was obviously a huge fan of Melissa and I was stoked she could do this movie with us, and really the whole set was very upbeat and just fun, especially the scenes we shot with the kids, who were lovely. The lead actor was… a bit much honestly. He's just…" you shook your head, sighing, and Chris laughed. "He's just too handsome for his own good. It's terrible really," you laughed. 

"No, but honestly, working with him was so much fun. I've always known the talent he has, but being able to really witness it firsthand and going through the whole process of making a character and a movie with him was wonderful. "

The crowd "awwww" ed at that and the interviewer continued. "Would you say directing him was harder or easier than someone else, someone you don't necessarily know?"

 "Listen, directing Chris… well, it's not that different than what I do every day," you shrugged and turned to Chris, "you do need a lot of chaperoning babe," you smiled. He laughed and reached for his chest like he always does. The crowd laughed as well and you gave a little giggle as well. 

"It's true," Chris smiles and says, "she's always like, 'Chris do the dishes,' and 'Isn't it your turn to walk Dodge today?'"

"That is not true Christopher!" you put your hand to your chest as if offended. "Besides, that was a terrible impression of me, I can't believe you do this for a living!" you threw your hands up and shook your head in disbelief and you all laughed.

"Um, but to give a more serious answer," you turned to the interviewer once more, "I think in every movie you direct, you get to form a connection with the people you direct. The fact that Chris and I already have that connection is both a blessing and a curse because on the one hand, we're more comfortable trying new things and taking risks, but on the other hand that means it's easier for us to get off track and just kinda goof around instead of doing our jobs," you chuckled. "But I do think we handled it pretty well," you smiled.

"Well that leads me to my next question, which is for the rest of the cast who aren't you and Chris," the interviewer smiled, "how did they do with keeping it professional on set?"

Everyone laughed and you and Chris smiled at each other. 

"Terrible," said Anthony, who played David, a police officer in the movie who was good friends with Chris' character. "Well, no, when we were shooting the actual scenes, they were fine, but every single break we had, these two-" he looked over at Chris and you, "look at them! They're making heart eyes at each other right now!" he rolled his eyes. 

You and Chris looked away from each other and smiled while the crowd cheered a little. 

"I think we were totally fine," said Chris while he took your hand in his. 

"Well, I guess they weren't that bad," Melissa said.

"I have one more question for you guys and then we're gonna take some fan questions. So, what was it like working with the kids on set?"

"They were really cute," Melissa said, "so I had a lot of fun working with them," she shrugs and smiles. 

"Speak for yourself," you said. "Well, okay, they were very cute and it really was a blast having them on set. We basically said for people who have relatives who were about the age we looked for that they should bring them because we needed a whole class. So my niece was there, Chris' niece and nephew, Mel's kid… we had a lot of fun, but in terms of production time, kids are kind of difficult. Not to say it's the kids who were there, because they were truly lovely and it's like that with all kids. So yeah, working with them was a really good time but also cost quite a bit of time and we already were short on time, so it was definitely a challenge." 

You all took some questions from the audience and then the interviewer said, "Alright guys, we have time for one last question, who's next?"

A girl who was a bit younger than you came up to the microphone. "Hi! First of all, can I just say I'm such a big fan of all of you guys," she seemed nervous and you all smiled at her. "So, my question is a spin on an earlier question and it's for Chris – You've spoken a lot in the past about the importance of a strong-willed director to really bring in the movie nicely, so how was it having your wife direct you in a movie?"

"Wow, you're really setting me up to fail here, aren't you?" he laughed and you turned to look at him, an interested look in your eyes. 

"Sure, well, I really can't say enough good things about her. Both as a director and just as a person, she's got a real talent of making people feel very comfortable and that definitely comes in handy on a movie set. She knows really well when she wants to listen and get ideas from us and when she needs to steer the ship herself a bit more, and I think I'm speaking for everyone here when I say that with her, the vibe on set is always a good one. She's very attentive to things that I would've never thought about that really make the movie what it is and she's very capable of standing at the helm of a movie and saying 'okay, this is what needs to happen and this is how we're gonna do it.' If I already thought the world of her before making a movie with her, I can't really tell you how much I admire her now. It's an embarrassment of riches really," he smiled at you and you returned it.

The audience "awwww"s once more. "Anything else you'll be making soon?" someone shouts suddenly. Everyone on stage laughs, but the interviewer starts talking so you don't have to answer the question.  

"Sadly, that's all the time we've got, so give it up for the cast of The Invisible Lights! It was a pleasure having you here today, thank you so much!"

You all got up and waved at the audience before walking off stage. 

When you left the stage, Chris came up behind you, circling his arms around you and splaying his palms on your belly. 

"That was a close call," he said softly in your ear. 

You hummed and leaned back into him. "Yeah, we're lucky the bump isn't visible yet," you smiled and craned your neck in order to kiss him properly. 

"You know if it gets too hard, we can cut the press tour short right?" Chris says, looking at you with a worried gaze.

"If you keep saying that after every interview I'm gonna start thinking you don't want to be here," you laughed. "It's fine, really," you reassured him.

"Okay," he smiles and leans down to kiss you once more.

"Hey lovebirds! Didn't we just agree you were professional? Don't ruin that image!" Anthony yelled at you. The rest of the group has already continued, leaving you a little behind.

"Coming!" you both yelled and laughed.

"Can you believe in seven months we're gonna have the most perfect kid on this planet?" Chris asked while he moved to stand next to you and take your hand.

You simply beamed and squeezed his hand in yours. You couldn't wait.

Chris Taglist: @swatson06 @horny-nd-bored​ @shannon124 @perfectlyharolds​ @phoebe-21-99 @wintersoldierslut​ @iceebabies​ @wanessalopesueiros @sleepingpapermouse @steverogerswasalwaysworthy @holtzkinnon @angelicl-y @stydia-4-ever @thatoneperson5000 @fangirlfree​ @kaitcordx25 @bequeening​ @steve-barry-damon-logan​ @itscrazycherryblossomcollection​ @hollandxmarvel​ @darkwitchfromthesouth

if you wanna join / be removed from the taglist, comment/message me! this is a taglist for Chris and his characters. much love <3

[amydancepants-peralta]

in the spirit of 4/28: if you’re willing to write non-peraltiago POV, could you maybe write the moment(s) that leas terry to decide he needed to tell jake to propose?

Terry loves love ♥

It all comes to Terry a few weeks after the squad captured the fugitives, on what seems like just another Friday night at Shaw’s.

(Which hardly feels like the ideal setting for an epiphany, but Terry supposes that’s what makes it so … epiphanic.)

It had been a long week - New York seemed to be feeling particularly felonious lately - and he was doubly tired from spending his Wednesday off helping Jake move apartments. With Sharon and the kids staying overnight at her mother’s, and high odds for a sleep-in the following morning, Terry’s plans didn’t stretch much further than washing his week away with a glass of whiskey or six.

That is until Terry noticed, about an hour into the squad’s drinking session; that a suddenly quiet Jake had removed himself from their booth, relocating to a seat by the bar where he could keep a close eye on the entrance. Amy was late - a rarity for any Santiago, but doubly so for Amy - and as Boyle plonks a fresh glass in front of him; Terry remembers watching her bolt out of the bullpen a few hours ago, a sudden lead on an otherwise dormant case too important to delay.

Terry hadn’t heard any updates since then; but given the lack of detailed reports landing in his inbox, and the look on Jake’s face whenever he checked his messages, he would have to assume the lead hadn’t panned out the way Amy hoped.

He’s in the midst of an argument with Rosa over which Friends character was superior (clearly Ross - Terry does not get all the Ross Hate) when Amy arrives ten minutes later, and Terry watches from his position in the corner as she heads straight towards Jake’s outstretched arms, her sense of defeat stretched clearly across sunken shoulders.

As though reverting to his detective days, Terry continues to observe the couple as Jake orders his girlfriend a beer, leading her over to another booth and sliding alongside her until their heads bow in quiet conversation. He thinks, as they talk and he sips, that there was once a time where Amy would have spent the rest of her evening at the precinct, pouring over paperwork, certain it’s the reason why they can’t catch the perp. Just as Jake would have taken the opportunity to boldly declare how he could have done it better - consequences (and unintentionally, feelings) unconsidered.

But now, Amy laughs with her head thrown back while Jake beams with pride; and in the past year or so has been known - after three drinks - to steal her boyfriend away to a slightly more secluded corner of the bar, dancing cheek to cheek to music only the two of them can hear.

It truly was the greatest thing to see, and part of Terry wishes he’d picked up on it sooner.

He watches Jake and Amy for the rest of the evening - even if they weren’t in the bullpen, these people were his work family, and Terry would look out for them anywhere - and as the empties begin to pile up at the squad’s table, the most simplest of truths comes to light. Somewhere along the way - in-between fire extinguisher roller chair derbies, robot captains and covert jimmy jabs - Jake Peralta had transformed into the man that Terry had always known he could be.

Gone was the promising detective that hadn’t quite figured out the puzzle on how to grow up, monopolising too much time in Terry’s therapy sessions. And in his place was one of the 99’s greatest detectives: a brilliant mind at solving puzzles, and a gentle soul who brought two extra gifts to last year’s Secret Santa, ‘just in case Scully and Hitchcock forgot again’.

Who's grin grew impossibly huge each time he’d said the words ‘our apartment’ since the move three days ago. A man who couldn’t get over Amy after that very first crush - no matter how hard he tried - because just like when Terry met Sharon, and they talked about Meatloaf until the bar closed around them; your heart always knows when you’ve found The One.

Jake had grown into someone that finally understood how worthy he was of love, and had a world of it to give in return. A man that was clearly ready to marry the love of his life - the one and only Amy Santiago - and her eyes already sparkled with an unspoken yes to any question of forever.

He thinks about the conversation they had that day in the squad car, racing to find escaped convicts and venting about wasted acrylics; and Jake’s muttered ‘Cool. Basically telling me to never get married or have kids’ in response. Terry hadn’t been lying - a march towards the closet does begin with a single step - but he’d neglected to mention all the great things that came with that closet.

Like coming home to see Sharon and the girls dancing to Destiny’s Child in the living room, or late afternoon naps with tiny heads snuggled into your side. Chaotic mornings filled with stress that melted away the instant you heard “I love you, Daddy”; and treasured moments of peace with Sharon, the couch, and a bottle of wine.

Terry would give up all the acrylics in the world for a hundred more moments just like that - and as the last drop of whiskey drains from his glass, he knows exactly what he needs to do.

***

Terry calls Sharon on the way home - waiting until he’s said goodnight to each one of his angels before telling her his plan. “So. I think Jake should propose to Amy.”

He can almost hear her smile down the phone line, and it makes him wish they’d be back from Sharon’s mother’s sooner. “You do?”

He shrugs into the otherwise empty interior, flexing his grip on the steering wheel out of habit. “Yeah. They’re clearly in love with each other, and … you know. He has that look.”

Sharon laughs - the same laugh Terry heard from his kitchen one morning, a year into their relationship, and just knew that he wanted to hear it for the rest of his life - before asking, “What look?”

“You know. The one I kept giving you when we first started dating. Like I’d finally found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. So excited and completely scared that somebody could try and take it away.”

“Mmm, I know it well. And when it comes to Jake and Amy, somebody almost did .. right?”

Nodding, Terry thinks of the afternoons he’d find Amy crying in her car, the devastation of another day not knowing where Jake was hiding too hard to conceal for another minute. “Yeah. Almost.”

“Well … if you didn’t try and play cupid, you wouldn’t be the man I married, Terrence Jeffords.”

Terry’s shoulders bounce as he breaks into a tiny happy dance, and he grins. “Terry loves love, baby. Almost as much as Terry loves Sharon.”

“I love you too, baby. And we’ll be back home the day after tomorrow, just in time for you to hatch a plan on how to play matchmaker with my god-husband. I have a pretty good instinct he’ll make a great actual husband … and hopefully it’s someday soon. I am ready for a night of serious dancing.”

* * *

Terry wears his lucky red tie the following Monday, settling into his desk to focus on paperwork as the question of exactly how his plan will unfold remains unanswered at the back of his mind.

Before it’s even 10am, he manages to catch five not-so-secret glances between the two lovebirds (a private joke of some sort dancing in their grins); and pretends to be pre-occupied with his work when Amy sneaks in a quick good luck kiss before Jake leaves for the interrogation room. Terry watches it all with a suppressed grin, switching between several versions of his How To Encourage A Proposal plan as he signs off on the last form in his tray.

These two were clearly in love - and Terry couldn’t wait to see them take that next amazing step.

He catches Jake in the kitchen an hour later, watching as the detective rescues the puzzle section of Scully’s newspaper from certain destruction, placing it on Amy’s desk with a grin. As they stop to discuss Ocampo - a dealer that Jake and Rosa have just begun to tail - all of Terry’s pre-conceived plans of a casual topic change fall quickly by the wayside. As it turns out, telling a person they should propose is not something that comes up easily on it’s own.

And then he opens the fridge for his next scheduled snack, and realises that all this time, Terry’s inspiration was waiting in the very things he cherished the most.

The blueberry and vanilla yogurt containers feel cool against his fingertips, and with his stomach growling at the promise of a delicious meal, Terry nudges the door shut with his hip and calls out to his detective.

“Hey, Jake. Let me show you something amazing.”

(Terry really does believe that yoghurt is the solution to everything.)

[ezpezlemonsquez]

My top 10 relationships from Brooklyn Nine-Nine in random order:

CAREFUL: SPOILERS ALERT

Jake Peralta & Amy Santiago — that's an obvious one, I mean, who doesn't love Peraltiago? I personally adore how their relationship evolves from distracting childish rivalry to distracting childish courtship, finally to distracting childish marriage (and parenting!). Their chemistry is visible basically since pilot. They're always there for each other, taking one another's sides no matter what, they help each other grow. Not only are they lovers but also best friends and I think it's such an amazing thing. They care about each other and make each other feel good about the world and their place in it. Their relationship is not toxic nor abusive in any way, they embrace their best traits, not undermine them. They're so different but they don't try to change each other — they eventually do so but it's due to their loving relationship and it's change for the better. In summary: such a power couple.

Jake Peralta & Rosa Diaz — I guess what I love most in this relationship is that it doesn't evolve in ANY romantic direction. This is extremely rare in TV shows but GUESS WHAT, man-woman friendship exists y'all and these two are the perfect example of that. They trust each other, they're there for each other when they need it, I mean when Jake helped Rosa with her coming out or when Rosa was talking to him about Amy and always gave him advice, you can't tell me you didn't melt inside. I did. They're the best partners, Jake knows her badge number by heart and I BET Rosa knows his as well. They worry about each other but they know what the other is capable of and they can be proud of one another. They're best friends and they know each other extremely well (even if at first it appears Jake knows nothing about Rosa's life). Just, thousand push-ups.

Rosa Diaz & Amy Santiago — definitely Latina's power, they got each other's backs and they trust one another. They know they can tell each other everything, they work together well and they even have their own cool handshake ok. They know they can count on each other no matter what and they'll do anything for one another. Just a little reminder that Rosa said I love you to Amy, so it's gotta mean something. I don't know what else to say, they're just the best The Sleuth Sisters ever.

Jake Peralta & Gina Linetti — it's just so cute they're friends since primary school both on-screen and irl, it gives them such amazing chemistry. I personally love how Jake calls Gina 'man' and Gina calls Jake 'girl', a perfect summary of their relationship and I'm here for that. They grew up together, they help out each other in all kinds of situations and they care about each other. They can be funny and they can be serious for a moment, they value each other's advice and the fact that their friendship lasts since childhood makes their scenes 100 times more adorable (just think of the forehead kiss!).

Gina Linetti & Raymond Holt — from an annoying assistant who never gets her job done (not that this has ever changed) to a dear friend who teaches captain Holt trashtalk and is on first name terms with his husband. Their scenes are just super hilarious and I love how Holt just can't imagine having as his assistant anyone but Gina. His Gina Moment is just amazing and he's really proud of his friend, even though he worries about her. I love how Gina takes his side and doesn't want Jake to ruin his career when Wuntch transfers him to PR. She teaches him, as well as he teaches her, they help each other, they appreciate each other when some can't, they know each other's talents and value each other's opinions. And you can tell Holt is extremely bummed when Gina decides to leave the Nine-Nine, because who will give him diction exercises before important events now? Gina Linetti Spaghetti Confetti.

Terry Jeffords & basically everyone (INCLUDING Sharon!) — I'm gonna start from Sharon because imo their relationship is SO underrated while it's such a great marriage. Remember when Sharon said she would always worry about him but he should get his ass back in the field if he was ready? Now that's the support. They love each other so much and, what's more, they let each other know that. The same goes for the kids — Terry always makes sure they know he loves them very much. And except his real family, he also has his other family with his stupid grown up kids. Because he treats squad like a family and it's the cutest thing ever. He loves Jake, he loves Amy, he loves Rosa, he loves Gina, he loves Charles, he loves every single one of them, values every single one of them, cares about every single one of them and lets them know that. They know they can count on him and ask him for help or advice and even when he's super busy, he's gonna find some time for them. The same goes for Holt, they're amazing friends and basically dads of the squad but Terry isn't afraid to tell captain off if he gives the squad too hard time. In summary, don't annoy proud mama hen of the Nine-Nine or you're gonna regret it and that's confirmed.

Raymond Holt & Rosa Diaz — both Amy and Rosa are so similar to Holt but in such different ways. I love how they talk about emotions and help each other acknowledge them. They have so much respect for one another which is growing stronger and stronger throughout the series. Rosa understands Holt's standards and contrariwise. Their friendship is restrained but yet powerful and based on mutual respect. But feelings? Ew.

Raymond Holt & Jake Peralta — this most obviously had to be here, because it's impossible not to love this duo. Their relationship evolves so beautifully and it's very clearly shown how Holt's opinion and appreciation matter much more than his actual father's. Not only does Ray have an impact on Jake, but also Jake teaches captain a few things, remember hot tub scene? They value each other's opinions, they literally make each other better people. And their father-son relationship is simply amazing and when Holt plays along with it it's just... daaamn, son.

Raymond Holt & Madeline Wuntch — when they're together, I'm like Rosa: this is amazing. I literally want to make popcorn and watch this beautiful drama and those insults OMG, I'm here for them so much. That's basically it, I love their chemistry of arch-nemesis and I love how they perform it and chapeaux bas to Andre Braugher and Kyra Sedgwick for not cracking up during those scenes. Who's guarding Hades or tickets to Wicked? Raymond, Raymond, Raymond...

Norm Scully & Michael Hitchcock — this is a perfect example of how true friendship can last over the years. These guys do everything together and they simply don't care about what others say about them (cake for gay wedding has come to mind). As Hitchcock says, everyone knows they come in package and they both watch it'll be so, so neither of them would be left out. They're dorky but they appreciate each other for the little things (which to them are quite big things but let's leave it), they comfort each other and even when they fight they can't stay mad at one another for long. They seem so friendly and harmless but just wait until someone touches their food...

That's it from me but feel free to add some relationships from your top list or just add some thoughts on that!

[potter-head-phanatic]

Childhood Crushes

Fandom: Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Pairing: Jake Peralta x Linetti!Reader

Episode: 2x17 “Boyle-Linetti Wedding”

Summary: You’ve had a crush on Jake since you were younger and you have a moment with him at your mother's wedding.

Word Count: 4799 

Warnings: None

Masterlist

Taglist

99th Precinct

Morning Briefing 8:37 am

It was a beautiful Friday morning in the city of Brooklyn, New York. The sun was shining brightly in the clear blue sky, high above the busy city streets. The sound of car horns and civilians chatting loudly filled the air, along with various smells of food coming from street vendors. Sounds and smells that failed to reach the building of the NYPD located in the city. The detectives of the ninety ninth precinct were gathered in the briefing room, listening to Amy Santiago talk about a criminal she has been after for months.

“Gregor Minsk. The counterfeiter I've been chasing for two years has finally resurfaced” She told her fellow detectives as she stood at the podium at the front of the room, a grimace on her face at the thought of her perp. “And he’s just as evil as ever”

“Right, you hate him because he has a typo on his counterfeit bills” Jake Peralta spoke up with a boyish grin, from his place beside Charles Boyle, his partner in crime.

"No. Because he passed $4 million in fraudulent bills, Jake." Amy replied in exasperation as she rolled her eyes at the boy, before continuing on to complain about the typo as she looked over at Detective (Y/N) Linetti. "But also, two rs in "pluribus?" I mean, did none of those cashiers take Latin?"

“As much as you and I enjoy the language...” The kind girl spoke to her friend with a small smile from her seat, which was next to her fraternal twin sister, Gina Linetti. “I can guarantee you that at least 99.9 percent of cashiers have not taken Latin as an elective”

(Y/N) Linetti had dreamed of joining the police force ever since she was six years old. She was always helping people in any way that she could, even at a young age. She wanted to make a positive difference in the world. That dream came true when she became a detective at the ninety ninth precinct a couple years ago. Ever since she graduated from the academy with fellow detective , Jake Peralta. She had been best friends with him, along with her sister, since their childhood. They did everything together.

Around the age of fifteen, she had developed a crush on the boy, and the only person who knew about it was Gina. She figured it was just a silly school girl crush, but she was proven wrong once she started at the academy with him, and her feelings for him were stronger than before. They continued to grow until this day, no matter how many guys she dated to try to get over the charming boy. She refused to tell him, despite the encouragement from Gina who advised her to just come clean and tell him. After all, the worst that could happen is he didn't feel the same way. But that's what terrified (Y/N). She couldn't afford to ruin their friendship, he meant too much to her. So, she opted to just keep quiet as he chased after other girls, including Amy.

“Okay, let’s give Amy a round of applause for whatever that was” Gina got out of her seat and pushed Amy aside, taking all of the attention for herself.

“Police briefing, Still in progress”

“And you did great,” The oldest Linetti sibling said, not even sparing a glance at the girl as she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the podium. “Now let's get serious people”

“Tomorrow is the wedding. (Y/N) and I’s mom is marrying, shudder, Charles’ dad, toilet emoji.”

(Y/N) smiled to herself at her sister's well known dramatics. She had no problem with the union. She was more than willing to welcome Charles and his father into their family with open arms. Then again, she wasn't the one who slept with their soon to be step brother

“We are gonna be brother and sister.” Charles told her in excitement, with a big smile on his face, happy that he was going to get two new sisters. “To think this started with us just going to town on each other's sexy parts.”

Everyone in the room groaned in disgust at his comment as (Y/N) looked over at him with a grimace on her face, all while leaning back in her seat. Jake looked over at her and over exaggeratingly rolled his eyes at Charles' lack of a verbal filter, causing her to laugh into her hand, not wanting to be too loud.

“Charles..” she spoke aloud, gaining the smiling man's attention. “I love you, but please don't mention that at the wedding”

“Jake did you hear that!” he exclaimed in excitement, with a big smile on his face as he whipped his head to the side to look at his best friend, ignoring the point of what the (H/C) haired girl had just said . “She said she loves me! I already feel like i’m part of the family”

“That's great Charles” Jake told the man, patting him on the shoulder as he looked over at (Y/N) who had a grin adorned on her face.

“Of course you’re a part of the family” she told her future brother in law before she sent a cheeky wink to Jake and turned her attention back to her sister.

As she looked away, she missed the soft smile that made its way onto Jake's lips at the sight of the sparkle in her mischievous eyes. A smile, albeit a quick one, that was seen by Gina herself. The one person who knew about the romantic feelings that were being harbored by the two people closest to her. She promised her sister to never say a word to Jake about it and she has kept that promise. In regards to Jake, he’s never admitted his feelings for the younger Linetti twin, but he didn't have to. The adoration was clear in his eyes whenever he looked at the girl he had known forever. Clear to everyone but her.

“Charles, promise me that is not in your toast.” Gina pleaded, not wanting everyone to know what went down between the two of them.

His smile faded and he looked like he just got caught doing something he shouldn't be doing “It's not.”

“Come on, man!”

“Look, I need everything to be perfect.” She leveled with her colleagues, wanting everything about their mother's big day to run smoothly."Status update, Rosa. How are the flowers?"

"I don't know." The closed off yet lovable detective Rosa Diaz admitted from behind (Y/N), with a shrug of her shoulders that were covered with her usual leather jacket. "Yellow"

"Don't worry, we've got It covered" (Y/N) turned slightly to tap the desk behind her, showing that she would help her friend with flower arrangements.

Gina sent her sister a smile of appreciation before turning towards their Sergeant, Terry Jeffords " Terr-bear?"

"I had my tuxedo altered to make it tighter like you wanted" he replied with an uncomfortable look on his face.

It was no secret that the confident assistant of captain Holt found the muscular sergeant attractive. A fact that made her sister laugh at how obvious she was about it.

"Delicious. Jake, have you checked in with the jeweler?"

"Yes. They said the ring will be ready at 2:00 on the wedding day." He told his long term friend. "I'm gonna pick it up on my way to the ceremony."

"This is very important, Jake." The girl stressed.

"Are you sure you can handle it?" (Y/N) teased with a grin .

"Uh, well, let's see. Easy, last-minute, and crucial as hell." He counted all three things on his fingers as he looked her in the eyes, trying not to get lost in them. "Meets all the Peralta criteria."

"Good". Gina told him as her sister playfully rolled her eyes before facing the front once more.

"These tasks are top priority around here, people." She told everyone as she stood up straighter. "I don't care how many criminals go free."

"All right?" She questioned before dismissing everyone.

"Uh, I'm not done with my briefing yet." Amy said, trying to gain everyone's attention again.

"I said dismissed!"

                                                         ***

The Bullpen

9:00 am

“Guys, guess who I'm about to see.”

Jake came over to see Charles and Rosa at their desks, along with (Y/N) who was talking to her soon to be brother about a basic robbery case she had been working on.

“The bubes?” Charles questioned, leaning back in his chair, earning a look of confusion from his colleagues. “Michael buble?”

“Okay, you're the only one who calls him that.” Jake told his friend as (Y/N) nodded in agreement as she gathered her case files in her blazer covered arms, seeing that their conversation wasn't going to continue. “And no. Jenny Gildenhorn.”

(Y/N) struggled to suppress an eye roll at the mention of that woman. After years, the mere thought of her angered the young detective. She never forgave her for breaking the heart of the boy she grew fond of when they were fifteen years old.

“The girl who dumped you at your bar mitzvah?” Charles asked with a look of surprise on his face.

“Yes. I can still see her slow-dancing with Eddie Fung.”

Jake looked off into the distance with a bitter look on his face, as he reminisced about the betrayal he felt on a day that was supposed to celebrate him.

“I'll never forgive that bitch for what she did to you.”

“Preach it to the choir brother” (Y/N) gave a nod of agreement to Charles at what he said, as she lightly nudged his shoulder with her elbow.

“Well, you guys better forgive her because she's about to become, Uh, my girlfriend.” Jake told the three detectives in front of him.

“Turns out Gina's mom is friends with jenny Gildenhorn's mom, and Jenny is gonna be at the wedding.” he explained to them with a smile on his face. “That's right. I'm finally gonna get the slow-dance that Fung denied me.”

“Is she even single?” Rosa spoke up for the first time as she nursed a cup of coffee in an office mug.

“I’d be surprised,” (Y/N) grumbled, looking over at the girl as she leaned back against Charles’ desk while crossing her arms and holding her folders to her chest. “considering she was always jumping from guy to guy like some sort of game of hot potato”

“You’re just jealous that she got all the boys” Jake teased the girl with a cheeky grin on his face as he crossed his arms across his chest as well.

“Oh yeah, because I want all of my relationships to be short and disappointing” (Y/N) quipped back at the taller boy with a sarcastic smile.

“Short and disappointing. Title of your sex tape!” He laughed at his own joke as he gave Charles a high five. She rolled her eyes, but had troubles biting back a smile at his antics.

“As I was saying,she's single for the first time since we were 13.” Jake proceeded to list the names of Jenny’s multiple partners.

“You really kept tabs on her, huh?” Rosa asked him with a straight face.

“It's most of what I do here.” The childish boy admitted with no shame.

“A-ee. A-ee. A-ee. A-ee.”

(Y/N) looked at Charles in confusion with a hint of concern at how he was acting. That is until she looked over Jake's shoulder and saw that Amy was headed their way to join the group.

“What's happening?” the organized, binder loving woman asked as she reached them. “Is Charles having a stroke?”

“No, he's warning me you're here” Jake turned to look at her. “So I won't talk about other girls.”

“Just thought it might be weird for you,” Charles explained himself as he motioned between them. “Because of your history.”

“It's not weird at all.” Amy deadpanned with a shake of her head.

“ Yeah. I told Amy I liked her, she told me she was deeply in love with me, and it's all in the past.” Jake told them.

As much as (Y/N) tried to convince herself to move on from the boy and find someone else, it was still hard for her to hear about him liking another girl. Especially when she was a fellow co-worker and friend. Especially when it was never going to be her.

“I did not say "love" or "deeply."” Amy clarified.

“It's in the past, amy. Move on!” Jake told the woman over dramatically.

“If you guys will excuse me, I have a report to finish up for the captain”

(Y/N) brushed passed Jake as she patted his shoulder before continuing on her path towards her desk that was situated next to her sisters. Everyone else going back to their daily routine, except for Boyle who watched the clearly love struck boy drool over his soon to be sister with metaphorical heart eyes.

Jake's eyes followed her as she got further and further away, a shy smile present on his lips. A light pink tint on his cheeks at the small yet physical interaction they just had. The scent of her perfume wafted towards his nose, the smell committed to his memory. It was one of his favourite smells in the world. Whenever she patted his shoulder, or smiled in his direction, or teased him back, his heart would melt and his cheeks would flush, no matter how much he tried to prevent it.

“So when are you going to admit it”

The sound of his best friend's voice snapped him out of his daze and he whipped his head in the other boy's direction.

“What?” he questioned him, confusion evident in his voice, not knowing what his best friend was on about. “What are you talking about?”

“Oh I don't know..” Charles began with a sarcastic tone as a knowing look made its way onto his face. “Maybe your obvious feelings for a certain miss (Y/N)”

“Whaaaaaat?” Jake's voice went up several octaves.

A sure sign that he was about to lie, and Charles knew it.

“I do not like (Y/N) like that” he denied his friend's accusations with a shake of his head, not meeting his eyes.

Charles scoffed at his friend's obvious state of denial, not understanding why he won’t just accept his feelings. “Oh please, I see the way you look at her. It’s like she’s the center of your whole world”

“My whole world?” Jake raised his eyebrow in an ‘are you serious’ manner. “Lets’s not get crazy here”

“You should just ask her out already” Charles told him honestly with a shrug of his shoulders. “I already have your whole wedding planned out”

He was weirded out, but not surprised at the fact that he planned out a whole wedding for two people who weren't even together. He rolled his eyes before taking one last look in (Y/N)’s direction. She had a habit of scrunching up her nose in the most adorable way when she was focused. The way she brushed her hair back behind her ear, exposing more of her face made the butterflies in his stomach flutter. Jake couldn't think of a single thing that she looks bad doing, especially when it’s something she's passionate about, including her job.

“Keep dreaming Charles”

                                                       ***

The Wedding Venue

Saturday, 2 pm

Everyone was bustling around the fancy venue, preparing for the big event. Wanting everything to be perfect for the union of Darlene Linetti and Lynn Boyle.

“Oh, Regina, (Y/N), everything is so beautiful.” the matriarch told her two daughters that stood in front of her as she smelled the flowers that had been arranged by Rosa and (Y/N).

Darlene Linetti was covered in a silk, turquoise robe. Her auburn hair was in perfect ringlets, and she had a full face of makeup on. All that was missing was the dress and she would be all set to get married.

“Well, as long as you're happy, we’re happy.” (Y/N) told their mother with a smile, from beside her sister.

“Rosa,” Charles called out as he entered the room, clad in a white dress shirt, black slacks, and a turquoise bow tie. “ah, there you are.”

The three soon to be siblings were all clad in something turquoise, as per requested by the soon to be bride.

“Can you help my dad with his cufflinks?”

“Sure.” she agreed.

“ I would do it, but it's bad luck for a boy to see his father on his wedding day.”

“Oh, well, in that case, no.”

“Rosa, please.” Gina begged the woman dressed in a black, fitting, off the shoulder dress, as her sister put on her best puppy dog pout. “It's a slippery slope from uncuffed sleeves to Lynn just wearing an old turtleneck down the aisle.”

“Actually, my dad can really rock a turtleneck.Gives him a sexy Elliott Gould vibe.” Charles said, defending his father.

“Charles, shut up.”

                                                       ***

Stakeout

2:15 pm

“I wonder what jenny Gildenhorn will be wearing tonight.” Jake wondered aloud as he sat in the passenger seat of Amy Santiago's car.

She had received a lead on Gregor Minsk and she just had to steak it out before heading to the wedding. Which led them to where they are now, sitting in her car, keeping an eye out for her perp.

“Do you think she'll be in her high school field hockey uniform? That'd be crazy, right?”

“Yes,”she told him with a weirded out expression on her face. “it'd be crazy if that's what she wears to a wedding.

“Yeah, you're right.” he agreed, laying back in his seat.

“So, if you don't mind me asking, what did Eddie Fung do to make you hate him so much” Amy asked her partner, glancing at him for a second while keeping a look out for Minsk.

“I was thirteen years old,” Jake began with a sigh as he looked out the window, reminiscing on earlier times. “It was my bar mitzvah, and Jenny Gildenhorn left me for Eddie Fung”

Jake started to open up about his feelings, and doing the one thing he hates doing the most. Being vulnerable. He had been hurt too much throughout his life, he had gotten used to sarcastic remarks and humor to deflect any form of conversation that involved talking about how he was feeling. But it was different with Amy. He felt that he couldn’t get any more embarrassed than when she rejected him. (Y/N) was the other person that he could tell absolutely anything to, but this was one instance that he couldn’t confide in her for.

“I’m sorry” the aspiring sergeant sympathized. “You deserve better”

“It wasn't all bad though” he admitted with a smile, thinking about a certain (H/C) haired beauty.

“Oh yeah? Why’s that?”

Amy couldn't imagine how anything could be good after getting your heart broken at the ripe age of thirteen. On a day that was supposed to be a celebration of you no less.

“While I sat on the sidelines, feeling sorry for myself, (Y/N) came up to me and she sat down next to me,and do you want to know what she said to me?” the boy turned his head to look at the girl he used to like, and she only nodded in response.

“She said “I know i’m not Jenny Gildenhorn, but would you like to dance with me””

He smiled fondly at the memory of his best friend being there for him, to pick up the pieces of his broken heart. Amy ‘awed’ at how cute that was, knowing already how kind the girl could be.

“We slow danced together, and I have been in love with her ever since” the usually childish and playful detective finally admitted slowly, in a serious manner.

Amy was shocked to say the least.He was finally admitting he has feelings for the girl everyone at the nine-nine had grown to love. She felt flattered that he had trusted her enough to open up about his feelings, and become vulnerable. “Then why have you never told her that?”

“I guess I just never wanted to risk losing her as my best friend.” he shrugged, looking down at his lap where his hands were, his fingers intertwining together in a fidgety manner. “She means too much to me”

Amy nodded her head in understanding. She had observed the close relationship the two shared, which is part of the reason she didn’t want to date him. That and the fact that she was already with someone. But she had seen the longing looks they would discreetly give each other when they thought the other wasn't looking.It made her laugh at how sly they thought they were being. “ If it makes you feel any better, I think she likes you too”

“What makes you say that?” His head snapped in the young latinas direction with a hint of hope in his voice.

“I see the way she looks at you, i'm not blind” she smirked at the excitement in his eyes before her eyes widened in surprise at who she saw and she pointed in their direction. “Oh, my god. Look!”

“Fung.” Jake exclaimed.

“Minsk!” Amy corrected him before they set off to catch their perp.

                                                      ***

The wedding

5pm

There were many things that went wrong throughout the day. Jake and Amy lost the ring while arresting Gregor Minsk, but then found it again. The smoke machine broke, but (Y/N) fixed it, having had experience fixing smoke machines when they were younger due to her sister being theatrical in the morning. Terry had trouble reciting the speech that the priest would deliver without breaking out into sobs, so captain Holt stepped in. Jake caught Jenny Gildenhorn making out with some random guy. Lynn Boyle had a nervous meltdown and almost left the wedding entirely, only to be reassured by his future step daughters. After all that, it was worth it because Darlene and Lynn proceeded with the wedding.

Jake was sat in one of the aisle seats next to Amy, as opposed to (Y/N) since she was part of the wedding. He was grumbling about Jenny Gildenhornn bailing on him, once again, and complaining about how many buttons were on the other guy's jacket compared to his. Four buttons apparently being superior to three.

"I'm sure (y/n) wouldn't care about how many buttons your suit jacket has" Amy told him from his left before her eyes wandered to something, or rather someone, behind him, walking up the pathway with Charles by her side, arms linked together, followed by Gina and Terry. "Speaking of which…"

Jake turned in his seat to see what she had been looking at and he froze, eyes widening slightly, a small 'wow' escaping from his lips. All thoughts of Jenny Gildenhorn leaving his head at once. She was beautiful, and up until this point he still hadn't seen (Y/N) all day. She locked eyes with him and gave him a grin before walking up to her place near the altar. His head following every one of her graceful steps away from him. She always looked beautiful, but there was something about the way her eye shadow made her (e/c) eyes pop, and the lipstick that made her lips seem all the more kissable.

The ceremony commenced as Darlene walked down the aisle, and towards her future husband, all eyes on her. Her golden dress shone as much as her smile. (Y/N) was happy that her mother had found love again and she longed for a connection like that with someone special. She looked out into the crowd and her eyes found Jake's once again, a smile forming on her lips before looking away. A blush creeped onto her cheeks as she paid attention to what captain Holt was saying about love.

Once the ceremony was over, everyone clapped before gathering in the reception hall to eat food and listen to music. (Y/N) set out to find her mother and step father to congratulate the newly wedded couple before going to find Jake, after not seeing him all day.

“Hey” She spoke softly as she found him staring sadly at Jenny and the random guy from before, slow dancing to a very familiar song. “I’m sorry you missed your chance with Jenny”

Jake looked over at his best friend, taking in her beauty that is somehow enhanced at a closer proximity. “It’s no big deal, she’s just not the one for me”

“But you came here for a slow dance..” (Y/N) told the boy with a slight tilt of her head and a shy smile on her lips. Her heart slightly pounded at how handsome he looked in his suit. “I know i’m not Jenny Gildenhorn, but would you like to dance with me”

He instantly got taken back to the first time she asked him that exact question. The day he knew that he was in love with her. He eyed her outstretched hand with a look of love on his face. Not understanding why he ever wasted his time on other women when he had the best woman right in front of him. “I would love to”

He took her hand in his and led her to the dance floor where he gently placed his hands on her hips, while hers found their way around his neck. He smiled down at her with adoration as they swayed from side to side together, a feeling of pure bliss filing his heart. A rosy flush appeared on her cheeks at the intensity of his stare, butterflies erupting in her stomach. A feeling of pure happiness filling her up.

“You look beautiful” He told her in complete honesty.

Her smile was big and genuine at the complement she had just received. He had called her beautiful on many occasions, but there was something about this moment that made her heart swell with love even more and made her feel all tingly. “Thank you, you're not too bad yourself”

She smirked up at him and he couldn't help but smile as well. He felt this overwhelming urge to tell her how he feels, and before he could chicken out he started to speak. “Listen (Y/N), I have to tell you something, and i’m going to say it before I chicken out again”

She looked up at him intently before nodding, motioning for him to continue.

“I really like you” he blurted out, and now there was no going back. “And I wish there could be something between us, romantic Styles”

(Y/N) froze. Her feet stopped moving and her eyes widened in surprise, not believing what she was hearing. It was like she was in a dream and all her wishes were coming true. This is what she had wanted since she was fifteen years old, so why couldn't she get her mouth to move in order to form words.

Anxiety filled him as he looked down into her wide eyes, taking her silence as a bad thing and he turned to walk away, instantly regretting ever opening his mouth. (Y/N) finally snapped out of her initial shock and made a split second decision. She hastily grabbed his hand and pulled him back towards her, cupping his cheek with her other hand, their lips finally meeting in the middle. Years of pent up emotions, pouring into the kiss. Once Jake got over his shock, he pulled her closer by the waist and melted into the kiss. They molded perfectly together, like they were meant to connect.

After what felt like hours, they pulled away slightly, so that their foreheads were still touching. Their noses slightly brushed against one another as they tried to catch their breath. Little did they know, the rest of the nine-nine squad had been watching their interaction, and silently cheered when they kissed, while Charles almost fainted from excitement.

“Wow” they spoke softly at the same time as they looked into each other's eyes.

“I’ve wanted to do that ever since we slow danced together at my bar mitzvah” Jake told her as he brought his hands up to caress her cheeks with his thumbs.

(Y/N) leaned into his touch as she covered his hands with hers. Relishing the feeling of warmth that he gave her. “I’m glad that you did”

“(Y/N) Linetti” he slid his hands from her face, down her arms, and took her hands gently in his. “Will you be my girlfriend?”

“Jake Peralta, I will be your girlfriend”

With those words, he placed his lips onto hers once more in a gentle kiss before taking her in his arms and spinning her around the dance floor. Relishing the feeling of each other's warm embrace.

[397bartonstreet]

Is it Weird I Kind of Want to Kiss You?

This is my submission for the b99 summer fic exchange 2020! This fic is for @letsperaltiago, I really hope you enjoy it, I had a lot of fun writing it! Also thank you @theysayweareasleep for helping me out with this i couldnt have done it without you. And thank you to @b99fandomevents for holding this exchange, I was happy to be apart of it.

read on ao3

The whole squad had officially retired about an hour earlier. It was a relief to be able to let loose after a hard day of many failures from a case. The mugginess of the bar, under the dim lights, the shouts from the tables behind them, felt like the perfect way to unwind. Leaving Amy with Jake to clink together one more glass of whiskey before turning in for the night. At this point, the alcohol and infectious energy of the place have relaxed their tense shoulders and they can now just enjoy each other’s company. Even if it’s only just the two of them. 

Amy clutches her stomach as the last remnants of her laughing fit fade away. Releasing her unconscious hold of Jake’s wrist so he can wipe the tear leaking from his eye, and he comes back to earth with a few chuckles.

“Okay, no, but really, some people can just be the dumbest people in the entire world,” Amy says through catching her breath. She pulls the rest of her hair down as it’s already coming undone, but doesn’t bother fixing her skewed blazer.

“Hey, let’s be honest, maybe they’re not as dumb as their moments. Like I’m pretty damn sure you and I have had many a moments dumb in past,” Jake stumbles to say and Amy has to resist patting down the curls that have stood to one side. 

“God, don’t remind me, and it’s always you,” Amy points accusingly. Jake gasps and slaps her hand away. 

“Noooo,” Jake petulantly says before chugging the last of his drink. She can barely remember what number drink that is, since she’s had the same amount he has. She quickly places her finger back in his face.

“It’s always you who makes me do the dumbest crap in the whole world!”

“Don’t even lie,” he bangs his fist on the table and doesn’t resist the giddy, drunken laugh that comes out of him. And it’s so infectious, his energy and the way his smile makes his eyes all squinty.

“I am not lying! You always make me look like an idiot!” 

“You do that yourself,” he playfully scoffs.

“Right, do you remember the date,” Amy says, punching him on the shoulder. Jake pauses, mouth agape and eyes squinted. The cogs are definitely turning in there, like it does about once a day before it shuts down and let’s his body take over. 

“To be fair, that technically was your fault, if you had just tried being actually a good detective-

“Ohhh, don’t-,” Amy throws her head back.

“Then maybe you would actually have won,” he teases.

“Don’t even start, we were at the same place you got lucky,” her volume rising to overshadow his.

“I did get lucky, I got a date with Lamey Santiagoooo.” He tries to take another sip from his glass and frowns when it turns up empty.

“And it was the fucking best day of your life.” Jake gasps and looks around, lips pursed in suppressed laughter.

“Oh my god, Amy Santiago is cursing. She’s cursing!” He yells out to the rest of the bar. Amy notices the bartender throwing them a warning glance. She places her hands on his arm and shakes him a little.

“Shut up,” she grits through her teeth, but she really can’t even pretend to be serious right now, with the alcohol still coursing, and even feels like it might be a tad worse. “You’re an actual child.”

“Childsayswhat?” She rolls her eyes. That wasn’t even funny back when she was twelve years old.

“I’m not falling for that.”

“Ha, that’s because you’re a nerd.”

“Well, you’re a loser.”

“Actually, you’re the loser, I won the bet,” he grins and Amy groans up at the ceiling. She tips into her mouth the last of her drink and lets it puff out her cheeks. Behind her, a group yells among themselves and she realizes just how alone her and Jake are. It’s not the first time they’ve gotten drinks together, or have been left alone after the squad leaves them for the night.

But ever since everything that’s happened. Teddy. Sofia. Dumb feelings and stupid declarations. Things feel different, something feels inevitable. Like at any moment, something unknown and unsaid can ruin the set rhythm between them. 

But no, she shouldn’t let that ruin things right now. Things are good, they’re great, they’re-

“Do you want to know that this means Amy?” Jake asks, catching himself from swaying just a little.

“Hm,” she asks.

“This means,” he stops to let the pause linger. “that you and I are at the start of an awful relationship.” 

“Oh really,” she says. He’s joking, and they’re drunk. She certainly feels drunk, which is probably why she’s letting herself remember the unspoken issues between them. It’s definitely why she’s letting herself remember the unspoken issues between them. It’s just a joke. And it’s not an uncommon occurrence to have people in your life you wouldn’t mind kissing. Or touching. Or other things.

“Yup, we’re at the start of a lifelong terrible relationship that of loservilleness.”

“Ha! So you admit you’re a loser.”

“Amy Santiago, when you take a step back to rediscover the world, you will realize that we all, as one people, are losers.”

“You’re lucky that mostly made sense.” 

“Heck yeah it did. Anyway, back to what I was saying, you and I are about to live a terrible life together. We’re going to framed for a heinous crime we did not commit-”

“Why.”

“Because.”

“Alright,” she says with a shake of her head at his antics. 

It’s a joke, it’s just a joke.

“We’re going to marry at the Chapel near the rat infested Walmart.”

“Okay,” she nods with mock seriousness.

“After we wed, we run away as outlaws to Montana, change our names to Bucky and Birdie-”

“I call Birdie!”

“And we have a son named McClane.” Amy looks at him with an exasperated look, and he can barely contain the mischievous look spreading on his face. 

“Jake, that's a terrible name.” 

“You’re a terrible name!” She wouldn’t be surprised if he actually did try to name their child McClane, he… really loves that movie. But, it’s endearing really, that there’s something he connects to and loves. She likes the way he unapologetically loves.

She taps her chin since he’s staring at her intently for a response. 

“McClane…,” she mumbles to herself. “ooh, you know what? McClane might not be an awful name. If you really think about it, it can also sound like a name for a librarian.” She knows she’s hit a button. He cackles and drops his head into his hands. He turns and glances at her with annoyance, he almost looks impressed.

“Why do you always ruin things that are fun,” he says, tapping her shin lightly with his f. She’s definitely drunk, because even that felt charged. Felt intentional. But she’s just drunk.

“Do you want our son to be named McClane or not?” She says, tapping his shin back. It’s fine if she does, they’re friends. 

“Fine, but I’ll find something to ruin for you.”

“I’m solid as a rock honey, you can’t move me.” Jake raises an eyebrow and smirks. He doesn’t break eye contact when he holds out two fingers and gives her shoulder a firm shove. A stupid squeal escapes her throat as she stumbles off the stool she’s sitting on and lands on her ass.

“Ok, I think that means it's time to go.” 

“Yeah,” she agrees. She holds out her hand for him to help her up. “Walk me?”

Amy’s relieved that she can still mostly walk in a straight line. It isn’t until Jake bumps into her that they start to stumble a little. 

New York is not as busy tonight as it usually is, and she likes the clear path they get to walk in without many obstacles. They gag and skitter around the giant dead rat on the ground, and they have to cover their nose when the worst smell NY has ever produced punches them in the face. Other than that, they’re not bothered and she’s grateful for the cold night air after hours in the hot bar. 

And they haven’t stopped talking since leaving the bar. About the episode of West Wing last night, the bruise Jake got from tripping over Charles’ box of jars of something, Amy’s annoying brother David and the picture of his new car he’d sent to the sibling group chat. 

She thinks Jake is the only person she gets like this with; loud, talkative, and rowdy. It’s the best, and she loves these moments with her best friend. 

“You’re not even ready, Bucky would romance the hell out of you,” he says, poking her lightly in the side.

“Really? Coming from the world’s cheapest date?”

“I’ve gotten no complaints.”

“You’ve gotten many complaints!”

“Not from Birdie.”

“Fair,” she says. 

“I would drive you absolutely insane with my respect for your boundaries. Make you miserable by unconditionally supporting your ambitions,” he says and Amy wrinkles her nose.

“Sounds horrendous.”

“Yup. You’d make me sleep on the couch with how much I get along with your family.”

“Disgusting,” she says. To be fair, she probably would send him to the couch if she caught him having a nice conversation with David. No way will she let David make her husband think he was better than her. In high school, one of her boyfriends left her to pursue her amazing brother. She’s never letting that happen again.

“David?” he asks. 

“David,” she assents. But she’s already ranted about him once today and she doesn’t want to break the Only One Rant About David a Day rule she’s set for herself. “I would pay attention to your interests and actively listen when you speak.”

“That’s just low,” his voice is guttural when he says that and she curses her attraction to deep voices. She clears her throat.

“Buy you intimate gifts from the heart and remind you of my appreciation of your existence every single day,” she says. His hand swaying beside hers lightly brushes against hers, and he continues the conversation like it didn’t happen. He probably didn’t care, maybe he really doesn’t care anymore. 

“Did Teddy do that?” he asks.

“Never missed a day,” she says. 

“Gross, how did you manage,” he barely gets the word out before his foot catches on the edge of a fire hydrant. He releases an ‘oof’ and grabs onto her hand to catch his balance. She’s way too inebriated to catch him, she goes tumbling along with him. She just barely manages to settle herself whereas he goes flat on the floor. 

“Woah, are you okay,” she says, the laugh she makes is almost a cackle. When he looks up at her, his face is red and he can barely breathe with the force of the laughter that shakes his shoulders. She tries to pull him up, grabbing him by the arm and making a feeble attempt to carry him back up. It just barely works, with more fumbling and swaying involved.

“Just like this, I’d support you in all aspects of life,” she teases, helping to steady him on his feet.

“Even if, in our hanky town in Montana-

“Hanky?”

“I get arrested for assault when someone tries to take the last jar of mayo?”

“Especially then,” she says. It suddenly hits her that her hands are still on his arms, she still has him less than a foot away. He’s so close, way closer than she expected him to be. Despite many years of them working together, on all those stakeouts and nights slaving over case files and evidence, she’s never had him this close. His crooked smile is still there, still goofy and sweet, but it’s changed from what it was a second ago. It’s shy, almost hesitant, surveying something on her face and she wants so badly to know what it means. 

“This doesn’t sound like the worst relationship ever you know,” Jake says and she almost startles when she feels more than sees a hand reaching up to her face, lightly brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. So slight and imperceptible that he might have just been taking something out of her hair. But that’s not the thing that strikes her the most. It’s the look on his face. She’s seen it before, from Teddy, her college boyfriend, the hotdog vendor at the stand near Shake Shack. But never Jake. 

This look seeps low into her stomach and expands into her chest. There’s an overwhelming pang that she wants to chase for miles, just to see where it takes her. She says, “Maybe not.”

It comes out softer than she means it to. It makes what should have been a joke… something else. That inevitable thing. 

Even this stupid life together that they just made up right now, she’s never been able to joke like that with anyone else, never been able to imagine that with them. But with him, maybe it’s just the alcohol she’s probably had too much of, it’s not so ridiculous.

“Is it weird I kind of want to kiss you right now?” he says softly. She’s officially lost. Lost on him and in this moment. It’s so inevitable, it’s so close.

“Is it weird I kind of want you to?” 

Her hands tighten on him, and there’s a moment of bated breath. She almost hates the giddiness she feels bubbling up within. It’s like gravity to just lean forward… and embrace their inevitable.

They’re shaken when a loud horn of a truck breaks the silence as it drives past them. It’s like they’re yanked apart by their surprise and Amy puts a hand on her chest to settle her beating heart. She looks over at Jake. His eyes are wide and no longer glittering the way they were a second ago. The moment is gone. 

“Dammit New York,” Jake says, avoiding her eyes by looking in the direction the truck had left. When he looks back, his eyes are still kind of glazed over from their drinks. She’s sure hers are the same. Their drinks have led to silly jokes and wild fantasies. To whatever the hell that was. 

To Jake’s next brilliant observation. 

“Holy shit, is that a Baskin Robbins?”

“Oooooh,” she says with a gasp. He grabs her arm and they run in the direction of the shop.

[peraltasames]

stars are just beginning to appear (and i have never in my life before been here)

28. “I have never felt this way about anyone” requested by anonymous with some early relationship fluff 💘💘💘

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Amy collapses on Jake’s couch the second they cross the threshold into his studio apartment and take off their shoes and jackets. Her feet are beyond sore from their day spent walking around the city, and her poor out-of-shape boyfriend seems to be on the cusp of total debilitation.

“Can’t...make it,” Jake huffs dramatically, leaning against the back of the door that he’s just locked behind him. “Too far.”

She rolls her eyes, patting the seat next to her. “Get over here, idiot.”

Jake, very theatrically, stumbles over and plops down next to her, spreading out his limbs so that he’s occupying most of the couch. She doesn’t mind - it just gives her an excuse to lean back against his chest and kick her feet up on the coffee table, nuzzling into his chest as he wraps his arm around her waist.

“Did you have a good day?” she asks, playing with the hem of his t-shirt.

“I mean, I wish you had let us take the subway instead of walking like eighty blocks, but it was really fun.”

Amy had woken up that morning to sunlight and a cool autumn breeze creeping in through the window, and she knew immediately that it was the perfect day to be tourists in their own city. He hadn’t taken much convincing - a few kisses to his shoulder and the promise of a cup of coffee from his favourite place seemed to do the trick.

“It’s part of the experience! I mean, when was the last time you walked across the Brooklyn Bridge?”

“I don’t know, that’s what the F train is for!”

She laughs softly, already reminiscing on their day together. Aside from the bickering over the best way to see the city (which is obviously by foot, with the bonus of getting some exercise) and having to navigate the swell of tourists, it was picture-perfect; she’s certain she could spend every moment of every day walking through the autumn foliage of Central Park with Jake Peralta’s hand firmly in hers.

She even brought him to her absolute favourite spot in the city, the cafe right across from the largest New York Public Library branch at 42nd and Fifth. It’s one of the first places she went when she moved to New York for college, and their croissants and vanilla lattes still bring her an unparalleled sense of comfort and warmth.

“You know, that was one of the best lattes I’ve ever had,” Jake admits, squeezing his arm around her. “So I guess the walk to Midtown was worth it.”

“It’s my favourite place for a reason,” she grins. “I’m glad you liked it. It was...really nice, you know. Being there with you.”

He smiles brightly at her, but still teases, because he’s still Jake, “I bet you say that to all the guys, Santiago.”

Her heart flutters as she comes to the realization that she’s never brought a boyfriend there. Even in relationships longer than this one, relationships that looked better on paper, she’s never considered taking a guy to her little oasis in the bustling city. It’s too sacred to be tainted by memories of an ex-boyfriend when the relationship comes to an end.

But she didn’t run through the worst-case scenarios before dragging Jake down Fifth this morning. She didn’t even consider the possibility that she might break up with him, because - subconsciously or otherwise - she wants this to last...for a long time.

(She’s reluctant to use the F word, but “forever” doesn’t even sound that scary right now.)

“You’re actually the first,” she confesses, the words tumbling out of her mouth before her brain can decide whether or not this is information she really wants to share with him.

He quirks an eyebrow. “Really?”

Emboldening herself by sitting up straighter, her hand tightly wrapping around his where it rests on her thigh, she nods her head.

“Really. I’ve never felt like taking any of my past boyfriends there.”

His tone remains light and curious, but he holds her hand just as tightly and she can see his Adam’s Apple bob as he swallows nervously. “Why not?”

“I guess cause I...” She bites her lip, forcing herself to look him directly in the eye. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone else.”

Amy knows she’s just dropped a bomb, one big enough to blow up a relationship this new. She shouldn’t be surprised by the way Jake’s face falls completely and he loosens his grip on her hand, and yet it’s the most soul-crushing, life-destroying thing in the world that he might not be falling for her as hard and as quickly as she is for him.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to - that was a lot-”

“No!” Jake exclaims, his eyes widening as she pulls away from him and shifts to the other side of the couch. “No, Ames, oh my god, I was just surprised - I obviously feel the same way.”

His words pull her back from the verge of bursting into tears and running out the door, his hands warm and reassuring as they grip hers.

“You do?”

“Are you kidding me, Santiago?” He rolls his eyes, shaking his head with evident adoration. “I pined for you for over a year, I wanted to give up my job to be with you after six days of dating. I drank Orangina for you, babe.”

She smiles, both at his overly dramatic face of disgust and the ease with which he slips between calling her “Santiago” and “babe” these days.

“I’m sorry if it wasn’t obvious, but I’ve definitely never felt like this before,” he assures her. “I almost let a perp escape the other day because a car drove by playing that Coldplay song you like and I got distracted.”

Amy laughs softly, her hand sliding up his arm and shoulder to cup the pack of his neck and draw him in for a slow kiss. When she pulls away, his reassuring smile has faded into the passionate gaze she only gets to bear witness to in certain precious moments - right after sex, when the world seems to consist of only them; after particularly mind-blowing kisses like this one; when she brings him a coffee at work and kisses his cheek while nobody’s watching.

“Glad we’re on the same page then, Peralta,” she murmurs reverently, her hand sliding up his thigh and squeezing lightly.

It’s enough to convey the message that she wants him here and now. He pulls her closer, diving back in to kiss her immediately; she responds in turn by climbing into his lap and straddling his thighs, slowly rolling her hips against his. He breaks the kiss as a moan escapes him, his desperate hands tugging her sweater over her head and tossing it on the floor.

He’s predictably distracted by the lacy black bra she wore specifically for him, so she takes advantage of the moment to peel off his grey t-shirt and run her hands over his bare shoulders and biceps.

“Mm, we should go to the bed,” Amy mumbles half-heartedly between the kisses he’s leaving on her neck, trailing down to the zone not visible in work clothes where she lets him mark her skin. “You didn’t spend all that money on a new mattress for us to have sex on your couch.”

He keeps kissing her, sliding the straps of her bra down, and gently pushes her down against the couch cushions until he’s hovering over her, every inch of his body pressed against hers.

“Not yet.”

His lips travel down her stomach and her thighs start tingling with anticipation, the thought of Jake going down on her enough to make her melt in even the most professional or serious moments - and it has, when her brain unfortunately chose to replay the events of her morning in a meeting with Captain Holt a few weeks ago - but he pauses.

“Jake, please-”

He cuts her off with a firm kiss to her lips, so passionate and intense that it makes her forget for a moment the activities at hand and her lust-driven train of thought and also everything else in the universe. It’s somehow also impossibly affectionate, his hand cupping her face while the other tangles in her hair. It’s both infinite and far too short, but once he pulls away she’s seeing stars that don’t disappear after her eyes slowly open.

“What was that for?” she asks quietly, her heart beating so loud that she’s sure he can feel it against his chest.

She’s not sure she’s ever been kissed like that in her life. Jake’s an incredible kisser, and though she at first partially attributed it to the emotional and physical buildup of wanting to do that for so long, he just seems to be getting better every time. His kisses are like pure magic, leaving her dazed and in awe.

“No reason.”

The reason, she suspects deep in her gut and will learn a few short months from now is accurate, is that they’re madly in love and can never get enough of each other.

But for now, she’s satisfied with kissing him again and letting him work more of his Jake Peralta magic.