Hey guys, sorry for the wait but I just kept having new ideas at really inconvenient times and then when I would sit down to write them, I would just be too tired. Anyway, I hope you enjoy and feel free to let me know what you think. Comments really do mean a lot.
As always, mistakes are my own and I don't own anything. Enjoy!
Chapter 2
If they wanted proof, Fin was going to get proof.
After the group chat, the morning really picked up. They caught a case. Fin and Amanda were headed to the hospital to interview the victim, whilst Velasco and some Uni's went to canvas the neighbourhood where she was found.
The day was pretty hectic with it ending with Liv, still in her office several hours after her team had gone home. With the exception of Fin, that is.
Harnessing his tremendous ability to compartmentalise, Fin finally turned off his computer, having actually finished all of his paperwork. A very rare occasion indeed.
But, he needed information and to get that information, he needed to be in the good graces of his captain, and friend.
After having packed up his desk and gathered his things for the night, he made his way over to Liv's office, the door of which was slightly ajar. Peering in he could see that the main lights were off with the only source of illumination coming from her desk lamp.
She was typing something on her computer whilst simultaneously reading a report set out in front of her. She was wearing her square, black glasses with her hair tired up in a loose bun, several strands falling onto her face.
She looked tired. But this was different. They'd had long days before and sometimes, even longer nights. Everybody always looked drained afterwards. They were sleep deprived, exhausted both physically and mentally, all going home to tend to the latest batch of mental wounds gained from helping people through trauma and dealing with the worst humanity had to offer.
Fin had seen his other colleagues go home like this tonight. Some went home to hug their spouse and kids and some went to the local bar to drown their sorrows the good ol' fashioned way. It had been a hard day. A hard case. Not too many leads, just one brutalised victim.
Looking at Liv tonight though, she didn't seem as defeated as the rest of them. Yes, she was tired but there was a small smile painted on her face which Fin recognised as a good sign, not only of the happiness of his captain, but also for his prospects in his betting pool.
He tapped his knuckles on her door lightly, prompting her to look up. She took her glasses off and set them on the table before her, blinking her eyes a few times trying to wake herself up a bit more.
"Cap, it's late. Surely whatever that is can wait until tomorrow." Fin implores, walking passed the doorway and into her office.
She looks at the time on her laptop and seeing the numbers 9:42 staring at her, she definitely agreed with Fin. Although she didn't come into the office until 8:15, she still woke up at 5am so desperately wanted some sleep, not to mention a quick snuggle with Noah, who had already gone to bed.
With a light sigh, she stood up and began packing up her things.
"Come on, I'll walk you out" Fin offered, as she went to turn off her desk light.
They both walked out of her office and began the short journey to the elevator. Fin knew that this was his chance. She was probably either too tired to deck him or too tired to care. He needed information and, as a trained detective, he knew how to get it… hopefully.
"Got any plans the evening" he started, not quite registering the awkwardness in his tone.
She turned her head to look at him, her brow furrowed and a smirk across her face. "It's 9:45, what kind of plans would I have?".
Although her response was rhetorical, Fin persisted.
"I don't know, you could be meeting someone…" Now Fin was the one with a smirk on his face.
Deciding to play along, she tries to see how far he will go. "And who might I be meeting, detective?"
The glint in her eye, telling him that she is enjoying this. Enjoying this little game. He wants to know. She knows that he wants to know, and she is going to give him just less than what he needs.
"Really, you're going to make me spell I out. You're… you've been different since you spent that time with him helping Eli. Good different. You look happy. Something has to have happened… or be happening." He adds at the end, hoping for some kind of confirmation.
They are in the elevator now, headed for the parking lot in the basement.
She lets out a small chuckle, recognising his desperate need for gossip.
"Nothing happened or is happening. We're just friends… for now". Throughout this whole exchange, on thing has remained constant. Her face has been stuck with the biggest smile and her cheeks definitely blushing. She needs to keep whatever is going on between them under wraps, but she couldn't resist teasing Fin. It was just too much fun.
A silent nod from Fin, was followed by a slow turn to face the elevator doors, mirroring her stance.
"that's all I need to know… for now" he says, the smirk returning to his face.
At that moment, the elevator doors open, and they both go their separate ways, bidding each other good night.
Fin got into his car, turn on the ignition and then whipped out his phone. It was time for an update.
Fin: So far, "They're friends… for now". And yes, that is a direct quote.
Fin didn't really expect a response, given the time of night and the age of him co-conspirators, but within a few seconds, the three dots were flashing at the bottom of the screen.
Munch: Whilst that may be promising, how do I know that you haven't just made this up to get paid…
Cragen: Conspiracy theories aside, what else makes you think this is happening.
Fin knew he needed more evidence to convince these two, but for now all he had was the look on her face.
Fin: trust me, if you could've seen the look on her face tonight, you would agree with me. In saying that, I will keep trying to get confirmation.
Munch: what kind of investigation are you running here Tutuola! So far, all I have is a quote from a questionable source and the look on her face. I need more to convict, my friend.
Fin could all but hear Munch's voice in his ear, the humorous tone echoing in his mind. With a small chuckle, he went to respond.
Fin: The kind where I don't want to be put on desk duty for the rest of my career. I'll keep working on it.
At that, Fin exited the group chat. He knew he wasn't going to get much from Liv at the moment, so he figured he'd have a crack at the other suspect in this whole scenario. Stabler.
Whilst they were never overly close back in the day, they had more recently been able to have some civil conversation, mainly surrounding Liv. Fin still had some issue with the guy, especially what he did to Liv, but they were getting through that. And, for now at least, Stabler could prove useful.
Fin: Hey man, I know its late, but just wondering if you wanted to grab a beer?
Fin texted Stabler and sat for a few minutes awaiting a response. Trying to formulate how he could get the information he needed.
Elliot: Sorry man, I at home with my mom and Eli. Maybe we can grab a coffee tomorrow morning. 10 around the corner from the precinct?
In all honesty Fin was a bit relieved. He was still exhausted and just wanted to go home to Phoebe and his lovely bed.
Fin: No problem, see you then.
Hopefully, he could get more information from Stabler… hopefully.
