To anyone who is still reading this- Thank you for your patience! Please keep continuing to review! All comments good or bad welcome!
Chapter 7
For the first time in a long time it was hard for Amy to leave for work. The morning thus far had consisted of waking up next to Jake, kissing Jake, having breakfast with Jake, getting dressed with Jake and now, leaving Jake. It wasn't that she was worried about leaving him in his still somewhat fragile state, it was knowing that she wouldn't be able to see his face, hold his hand or kiss his sumptuous lips.
In the car on her way to the 99 she thought about the strange turn of events that this year had brought- there had always been a connection with Jake; their working relationship had always been amazing- when they worked cases together they were unstoppable. It wasn't until the date she went on with Jake after losing the bet that she felt something deeper with him. She hated admitting it to herself or anybody else but they had an undeniable chemistry that, from the bet onwards, was spilling over into their personal relationship; when she had considered taking the promotion to Major Crimes, it was her feelings for Jake that had convinced her not to accept the job.
She had always seen the small looks that Jake had been giving her the few months before he left but had done her best to ignore them. Even when she started dating Teddy, she knew that she and he didn't have the same spark that she shared with Jake. And now, despite the exceptional circumstances that had brought them together, she was happier than she thought she ever could be with Jake Peralta.
As Amy walked into the precinct, she knew that she would be bombarded with questions regarding Jake- not personal questions- but questions nevertheless. She prepared herself for them mentally reminding herself that the events that had taken place in the last 24 hours were yet to become public knowledge.
"Morning everyone!" Amy said, her tone overly chirpy.
Rosa, Charles, Terry and Gina all looked quizzically at Amy.
Noticing the looks Amy scrunched her face, "What?"
"You're awfully perky this morning." Gina chimed.
Amy could feel herself turning a light shade of red. "It's a beautiful morning outside, that's all."
The squad once again looked at each other, Amy's reply unduly defensive. Raised eyebrows surrounded Amy and she knew that her attempt at appearing normal was failing miserably.
"How's Jakey doing?" Boyle was the first to ask.
"He's good." An enormous smile automatically spread across Amy's face at the mention of his name, the muscles in her face portraying her real feelings. "He's still in some pain but he's definitely on the mend." She tried to ignore the incredulous looks on her colleagues faces and continue to talk about Jake. "He'll be back here in no time."
Amy sat down at her desk and proceeded to shuffle through the small pile of paperwork that she had left the previous afternoon, aware that she was still being gazed upon- the heat of their eyes burning into her skull. Amy could feel that her demeanor had sparked interest and that she would no doubt be asked by everyone what had caused it. She knew that her lying skills were no where near good enough to fool the collective of detectives and they would see straight through them.
Luckily enough for Amy, she heard the familiar click of the door to Captain Holt's office.
"Santiago, a word."
Amy stood up and, without catching the eyes of the officers in the bullpit, marched rapidly into his office. Without a sound, Holt motioned for Amy to take a seat.
"What's up Captain?"
Holt made his way around to his chair and sat before speaking. "How is Detective Peralta? I was informed that he has taken residence with you?"
Although his voice was mono-tonal, Amy could sense the inquiring nature of his question.
"Yes Sir. I thought that my apartment would be a more appropriate location for him than his own so I am letting him stay with me in the meantime. I knew that, without supervision, he wouldn't take his recovery period serious enough." Amy could feel a flush of color rise in her cheeks once again. "But he is doing well, Sir"
Captain Holt looked at Amy in a way that she had never seen before. His eyes appeared to be smiling (although his mouth did not) as though he knew exactly what had occurred between herself and Jake that morning.
"I know that you are the best person to keep a close eye on him."
Amy's eyes widened; was Captain Holt teasing her? "Thank you Captain. I will do my very best."
Holt's tone changed. "Oh, I know you will Santiago. Dismissed."
Amy was now the color of a tomato. Holt was most definitely teasing her. Of all the people in the 99, the Captain was not who she expected to tease her about Jake. It wasn't completely unwarranted though- he had seen the way they had acted around each other and was witness to the kiss she had given Jake at the hospital but she was nevertheless surprised.
She felt glued to her seat. A sudden urge to tell Captain Holt the truth about the situation surging through Amy.
"Sir, if I may, I'd like to say something."
Holt just nodded.
"I know that what I am about to say won't surprise you but I feel that I owe you an explanation. Not an explanation per se. I mean you should know, or not know but you should..."
"Santiago, you are rambling."
Amy straightened herself as if to pull herself together. "Sir," she started slowly, "When Jake was in the hospital, we became more than just partners but I promise you, I will not let it interfere with my work."
"Of that I have no doubt, Santiago. You have always worked well with Peralta, despite that ridiculous bet you had this year. I know it will be no different now." His understanding made Amy breathe out a sigh of relief.
"Thank you Sir." Amy stood and headed for the door.
"Just one more thing Santiago."
"Yes Sir?"
"Kevin and I would like to invite you both to dinner next week."
Amy threw the Captain a large smile. "I'm sure Jake would like that."
I hope you like this chapter. I am trying to make this story a bit more lighthearted than the previous ones. I feel that Peraltiago deserve a bit of light relief! Tell me what you though. Reviews welcome! (Also, I may post the next chapter very soon- in the process of writing it already)
