Here's another chapter! :) I've still got some stuff holding back my writing, but I'm trying to get back into it. And I still can't believe Paul Walker is dead... :'(

Thanks to SomebodyWhoCares and 2NYwLove for being my faithful reviewers! And thanks to 2NYwLove for being my beta as well! xD

And this chapter should bring the word count to over 30,000! Thanks to everyone that's stuck with me and this fic so far... :)

Disclaimer: I only own Riley, my minor OC's, and my plot... :)

Riley couldn't help but grin as she sat at her desk, enjoying the familiar feel and sound of the precinct. Flack had just left for a crime scene, but he had made sure Riley was settled in and happy before leaving.

"Detective Fallon," Bortelli said as he walked over to her desk. "Good to have you back."

"I'm glad to be back," Riley replied. "Can I ask a question?"

"I think I know what it is..." Bortelli gave her a small smile. "I'm sorry, but you can't go into the field for a couple more days."

"But sir-"

"I don't want you going out until your ribs are healed," Bortelli insisted. "It's for your own good, Riley."

"I know," she sighed. "I know..."

Bortelli nodded and moved away from her desk. Riley leaned back in her chair and looked at the computer.

Riley set her files folders back on her desk with a small thump; she had just finished organizing them, and was bored. She glanced at her phone and considered calling Flack. As if on cue, her own cell phone buzzed. She picked it up and grinned at the caller ID.

"Hey, Flack," she answered.

"Detective, is there still a gorgeous girl sitting at the desk near mine?" he asked, the grin obvious in his voice.

"Cute line..." Riley said, smiling slightly.

"I thought it was," Flack chuckled. "You doing okay, Ri?"

"Yeah, just bored," she replied. "You've been gone a while...What's up?"

"I'm on my way back to the precinct now," Flack said. "Mac's wallet was stolen..."

"What?" Riley sat straight up. "Where? What happened?"
"Slow down," Flack continued, "We were getting something to eat, and some guy was asking us for directions. I think he picked Mac's pocket... We tried to find him, but he just dissappeared into the crowds."

Riley sat even straighter in her seat as she listened to Flack.

"Does it have anything to do with an ongoing case? Or did they go after Mac at random?"

"Mac's got some of his people working on it," Flack explained. "Hey, how 'bout we talk about it over lunch?"

"Sure," Riley nodded. "I need to get away from this desk..."

"Well, I feel wanted..." Flack joked.

"You know what I meant!" Riley laughed. "Just tell me where to meet you..."

Half an hour later, the two detectives sat across from each other in a small diner. A waitress came over to their booth and scribbled their orders in a small notepad. She quickly returned with two cups of coffee and once she left, Flack took a sip from his cup.

"Your coffee's much better..." he said, making a face at the cup.

"It's been on the burner too long," Riley agreed. "But at least it's hot..."

Flack nodded as he took another drink.

"I guess it's about time for me to get my stuff out of your apartment," he sighed. "Or...I could just leave it there in case of an emergency."

"Whatever you want to do," Riley shrugged. "I really do appreciate your staying with me for those first few days..."

"What are partners for?" Flack grinned.

"One last dinner, then you can back to your place," the brunette said. "I love you, but it'll be nice to get back to normal...I mean...well, you know what I mean..."

"Yeah, I do," Flack gave her a small smile.

After a few minutes, the waitress brought their orders and set the check under Flack's plate. The two detectives ate the burgers in comfortable silence, and once Flack paid, they walked out of the diner.

"I'm gonna check on Mac," Flack said. "Then I'll be back to the precinct."

"Okay, see ya," Riley replied.

Flack smiled and leaned in to brush his lips against her cheek.

"See ya," he repeated.

"Don, cut it out!" Riley laughed as she and Flack walked down the hall to her apartment.

Flack grinned and wrapped his arms around her waist, careful to avoid her bruised side. He nuzzled her neck as she unlocked the door, but she quickly twisted away from him as they entered the apartment. Flack sighed dramatically and Riley shook her head.

"Hope you don't mind leftovers," she said.

Riley set her purse on the coffee table, and tossed the mail next to it. She walked into the kitchen and Flack followed her.

"It's not the food that's important," the blue-eyed detective said. "It's the company."

"Corny," Riley said, giving him a quick kiss. "But sweet..."

Flack was about to reply, but stopped when he saw her eyes narrow. She walked back into the living room and glanced in her purse.

"Whatcha looking for?" Flack leaned against the doorway.

"I had a small shopping bag," the brunette replied. "I think I left it in the car..."

"I'll go look," Flack volunteered. "But it'll cost a kiss..." he added, lowering his voice and wiggling his eyebrows.

"It's a deal," Riley winked at him before turning to pick up her mail.

Flack chuckled as he walked into the hallway. His feelings toward Riley were growing more serious each day the were together, but he didn't want to risk driving her away by moving too fast. They had talked about how their relationship could affect their work, but so far, it was working out.

He found his car and smiled slightly as he grabbed the grocery bag. He quickly made his way back to the apartment and walked in.

"You were right; it was in the..." Flack's voice trailed off as he looked around the room.

He had only been gone a minute, but in that time, Riley had disappeared from her spot on the couch.

Flack approached the coffee tabled and frowned. There was an open envelope on the table, and Flack reached down and picked it up.

"Court...?" Flack muttered.

He walked through the apartment, finally finding Riley in her bedroom. She was sitting on the edge of her bed, tightly gripping a letter in her hand. Flack sat beside her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"You okay?" he asked softly.

Riley handed the letter to Flack. As he read it, he felt his stomach clench. It was informing Riley that she would be called to testify if Dirko and his hit-man were indicted...

"This is..." Flack paused, unsure of what to say.

"It's just a heads-up, I know," the brunette said in a tight voice. "But still, the trial will happen and I will have to testify; it won't take much for them to be indicted. I just don't know if I can look at Rocco again..."

Flack looked at Riley. Just minutes ago, she had been happy and calm, but now, she was shaking and he could see the uncertainty in her eyes.

"What can I do?" the blue-eyed detective asked, twisting his head to meet her gaze.

There was a long pause before Riley replied, "Hold me..."

Flack wrapped his arms around her and held her firmly. She buried her face in his shoulder and clung to him. Flack rubbed her back in small circles, and Riley let out a deep breath. The two detectives sat that way for several minutes, the air thick with their emotion. Things just had to get better...

Poor Riley; I'm so mean to her. :/ And I'll try to get Cavallino Rampante in the next chapter or two... :D

As always, let me know if you liked what you read or if you had a problem with it. I love reviews! :)

Kristy :3