Chapter Two
By the end of their first week as partners, Jared and Drea had gotten into an easy routine. Jared, like the lieutenant he is, would arrive at the precinct first. He would drop off a cup of coffee at Drea's desk and then head over to his own. Drea would arrive a half hour later with some breakfast for the both of them, some days she would make something and other days she would grab something nearby.
Then they both would both be at their desks looking over files until one or the other needed some type of consultation. It was surprisingly easy. The banter was fast and snarky which fit their dynamic. When they were out in the field, Drea didn't mind letting Jared take the lead. He was an amazing detective and seeing him in action first hand was a treat for her. Things had been pretty standard since Michaela left, thankfully no 828er drama or anything from the Xers. Just your run of the mill robberies, domestics, and crimes of passion.
Jared had been over to Drea's two more times since that first night. Once to cook for her to prove that he wasn't a terrible cook after a disagreement over tastes in pizza, long story. The next time was to watch a horror movie that Drea insisted that Jared wouldn't be able to get through; he didn't. At least not without turning all the lights on and some cuddles from Mimi.
Jared was surprised by how easy it was to get along with Drea without Michaela around. He had thought it might be awkward without a common denominator, but it was anything but. Drea was charming. As simple as that. She was always smiling, playful, and endlessly curious. Opinionated and stubborn. It made for some hilarious conversations and interesting bets between them. But she was also an incredibly competent detective. He had seen her put her rich upbringing to use, from finding connections to get them into exclusive illegal online auctions, to clearance for an emergency helicopter landing on private property. She could slip from one persona to the next seamlessly, happy-go-lucky rookie to experienced and connected detective. And Jared liked her. Not like that. But he enjoyed her company and was honestly happy to call her his friend.
Drea on the other hand was surprised to learn that Jared really did have a life outside of his Michaela obsession and his romantic escapades. He took hikes on his own and knew all the trails around the greater New York area. He loved cooking and playing cards. He was also as charming as could be. She knew he was handsome, everybody did. When she had started with the precinct she noticed, but he was married back then so she didn't bat an eye. But having his attention on her, his focus, occasionally made her blush. Not that she liked him like that. She was actually very happy to call him a friend. Jared didn't seem to mind her invites or challenges and that was all the encouragement she needed.
It was the end of a long Saturday that had them running around in search of a kidnapped child. Thankfully the culprit had a soul and only wanted the car. They dropped the kid off in a park and his parents' stranger danger training had kicked in and he had run into a school that happened to have after school programs. The relief that had travelled through everyone in search of this child was palpable. By dumb luck a rookie had stumbled upon the stolen vehicle on the way home in Queens. The culprit had been arrested, the parents and child reunited, and all was well.
Jared was in a jovial mood after the day's successes. He was perched on the corner of Drea's desk urging her to hurry up with the paperwork for the day so they could grab dinner, "Come on Mikami, you can type faster than that."
Before Drea could respond her cell phone rang. Recognizing the name she swept it up and shushed Jared, "Hi Mom."
Jared smirked and decided to have a little fun. He made his way around the desk to stand behind her. Speaking louder than normal he said, "Drea, baby, hurry up, I wanna take you out."
Drea smacked his arm hard, sending him into a fit of laughter. The few officers still at the precinct just ignored the two's antics, a familiar sight already. "No Mom, that was nothing. Just my partner messing with me. Yeah, yeah don't worry about it."
Jared proceeded to poke her lightly but quickly in the side making her yelp. Before he could run, Drea was up, had tripped him, and had him in a headlock. Jared sputtered, turning red with amusement and embarrassment at his new position.
"Oh nothing Ma, I just stubbed my toe. Yes I will be careful. Don't listen to him Mom, you know I have coworkers over sometimes. It's nothing weird." Drea squeezed a bit tighter when Jared tried to pry her arm away. He finally stopped struggling when he realized how strong she really was. "I know Mom, but do I have to? I told you I could take care of it. Mom, please? Fine, but I'm bringing my partner with me. Ok bye."
Drea ended the call then proceeded to give Jared a noogie, "Hey watch the hair!"
"You idiot! You're lucky my mom is hard of hearing or she would have had a heart attack. I've already had to convince her that you coming over was nothing. She's already on my ass about being paired with 'unseemly men' all the time." Drea said finally relinquishing her hold on Jared.
"Unseemly?" Jared said, loosening his tie, "Was the head lock really necessary?"
Drea smacked him again, "Grab your stuff and go home and shower and get into a new suit. I will pick you up in an hour and you are coming with me to this fundraiser my cousin is throwing."
"Oh no no no, you are not dragging me along to one of your rich people functions," Jared insisted.
"There will be free gourmet food and I will buy you those new Nike's when they get released next week." Drea bargained.
Jared held her gaze for a long moment then finally caved, "Deal."
"Ok then I will see you in a little over an hour. Bye!" Drea said before hurriedly packing her things and then rushing out the door.
Jared stood in shock, wondering exactly what he got himself into, before he headed out the same way.
He didn't want to look like a complete fool so he had opted for his higher end deep navy suit and brown shoes and belt. Jared's shirt was a light yellow and his tie matched with a deep blue and yellow pattern, perfect for spring. He looked at his reflection in the mirror and nodded his head. Not too shabby considering it was last minute. Honestly he probably should have asked Drea what exactly to wear. His phone chimed telling him that Drea was waiting outside for him.
Drea was waiting in her car, waving for him to hop in. Once he was buckled in he finally had a chance to take a look at Drea all dressed up. She was wearing a soft blue lace dress that reached her knees. It had cap sleeves and a rounded neckline. Her hair fell in soft waves and was longer, down to mid-back.
"Are you wearing extensions?" Jared finally breathed out.
"Yea, my mom likes it better when I have longer hair," Drea replied, focusing on the road.
Jared couldn't stop himself and reached out to play with an errant curly, "I really like it."
Drea turned to him, surprised, "Don't go falling for me now, Vasquez."
Jared just laughed, "Not falling. Just appreciating that my usually childish partner can actually look like a beautiful grown woman."
"You clean up pretty great too. We even match a little," Drea glanced at him with a smile, " Anyway, I just need you to mingle with me and protect me from my dad's creepy business partners and hopefully deter my mum from trying to introduce me to any of their sons."
"And your mom will stop because I'm around?" Jared asked.
"She assumes that I'm dating any man I talk to, no matter what I say otherwise. Bringing you to a function will get rumors going and the damage control will get her off my back. Oh and don't take any bribes from her or her butlers," Drea rambled.
"So I'm your date?" Jared said with a smirk.
"Technically, so don't go flirting with anyone or my mother might have you shipped off somewhere. She might not like me "dating" but she will raise hell if anyone cheats on me," Drea warned.
Jared couldn't help but laugh, "This might actually be fun. How much PDA would freak out your hoity toity rich friends?"
"They barely shake hands, let alone hug. But don't get any ideas," Drea managed to glare at Jared who just raised his hands in defeat.
They approached a large venue with a sprawling lawn and a circular valet drop off. Jared was distracted by the sheer size of the place and the extravagant cars that were being valeted off to a hidden parking lot. "Hey, Drea?"
Jared turned to his partner only to see her handing her keys off to a valet boy. It was then that he noticed her demure lace dress was actually backless, showing off her clear skin and an intricate moon phase tattoo down her spinal column. Just like her hair, he felt his fingers twitch, wanting to touch the tattoo. But she turned. "Are you nervous? You don't have to be. I promise they are mostly nice, just a bit snooty. Just go with the flow, eat the food, and then I can take you home."
"Your place or mine?" Jared said absentmindedly, the image of her bareback glued to his sight.
Drea just smacked his shoulder and then started walking into the venue. Jared shook his head and then followed her up the stairs and between the columns of marble. He cursed under his breath. Seeing her looking so different from her rather tomboy-esque persona at work was having an odd effect on him. He took a deep breath. She's just a friend. A good friend. Don't mess this up.
Jared stood next to Drea at the entrance of a ballroom. There were quite a few people making small talk, sitting at various tables, and drinking champagne. Jared took Drea's hand and placed it on the crook of his arm. She seemed nervous but she latched onto his arm, turned to him and smiled, then pulled him along.
A few people waved at her, some greeted her as she walked by, but thankfully no one stopped them or asked her about her date. The tables seemed to be assigned and soon Drea stopped in front of a round table that already had a severe looking older asian woman and a softer looking older asian man seated.
"Hi Mom. Hi Dad." Drea said in greeting. The two elders stood up, hugging their daughter and sneaking glances at Jared, "This is my partner, Lieutenant Jared Vasquez."
"Nice to meet you." Jared offered his hand for a shake but the two just nodded their heads.
"I am Eileen Tamaki and this is my husband, Akimitsu Tamaki." Eileen said, looking at Jared up and down. Akimitsu who had been staring intently finally smiled then reached out a hand to shake Jared's. Jared didn't know what was going on but shook his hand and even bowed a little not wanting to be rude, despite the earlier rejection.
"I have seen you on the news Lieutenant. I knew you were familiar, it took me a moment to place you. You have solved many cases in this city of ours, it is my pleasure to meet you. It makes me feel relieved to have you working with my daughter in such a dangerous field," Akimitsu praised, his eyes glowing with kindness.
"It's my pleasure, sir. Your daughter is a great detective. I can always rely on her." Jared replied sincerely.
"Come and sit, before the others arrive," Her father gestured to the table. The size and roundness of the table caused Jared and Drea to sit across from her parents so it would be easier to talk. Eileen still had a stoniness to her visage while Akimitsu was already making small talk.
"Drea didn't you have anything else to wear?" Eileen finally chimed in hushed tones.
"Eileen, leave her alone. She's a grown woman, she can wear what she wants." Akimitsu interrupted. "She looks lovely and I'm sure Jared agrees with me."
"She looks beautiful," Jared agreed.
Drea blushed at their defense, not noticing the very different looks her parents were sending Jared's way. Before anything more could be said, two women who looked around Drea's age came up to the table greeting everyone. The taller redhead was named Katrina, and her blonde friend was named Melody. Drea greeted them warmly as they took seats next to her. Before Jared could be introduced, two younger men joined the table as well. Katrina's husband, Caleb, and Melody's fiance, Ivan.
"The youth have arrived my dear, it is time we move to our own table now that we have seen Drea," Akimitsu said as he stood up, offering his hand to his wife.
"I knew you weren't assigned to sit with me, Uncle Rico would have been jealous," Drea said as she waved to her parents. Eileen and Akimitsu said their farewells, nodding to Jared, before making their way across the ballroom.
"So Drea, introduce us," Katrina giggled, gesturing towards Jared. Drea smiled awkwardly as the rest of the table made noises of agreement.
Jared decided to grant her some mercy and introduced himself, "I'm Jared Vasquez, Drea's partner. It's nice to meet you all."
"Drea! Where have you been hiding him?" Melody asked excitedly, "If I didn't have Ivan around I would have had to steal Jared away."
Jared just threw an arm around Drea's shoulders, "I'm definitely not that easy to steal away."
Ivan chuckled, "I don't know, Jared, she managed to pull me away from Major League baseball, she's incredibly convincing. Still not sure if it was worth it though."
"Hey!" Melody retorted, flicking water at her fiance, "That's why you're gonna marry me!"
"I know, what am I thinking," Ivan faked a look of regret before smiling, "Don't go flirting with Drea's man, Mel, it isn't me you'll have to worry about."
"Yeah Mel, you know how protective Drea is. She would literally fight you if you touch her man, remember, Isaac?" Katrina said.
"Jared's not my man, he's just my partner. I'm never going to live that down, am I?" Drea said, letting out a short laugh.
"Dumping a glass of wine on Mel's white Versace gown because she flirted with your man at her birthday party was a bit too dramatic to be forgettable," Caleb finally joined the conversation, "We all know that Mel's a flirt, Drea, but you were so far up that guys ass."
"Don't remind me. Sorry, about that again Mel. Really." Drea said looking embarrassed.
"It's old news Drea, no worries. You ended up getting the short end of the stick on that one," Mel said looking sympathetic.
"Hey, hey, no walking down 'bad memory lane.' Drea is safe and sound with a hottie on her arm, and looking sexy as ever. Don't think I didn't notice the open back on that dress," Katrina interrupted, expertly changing the subject.
Jared found himself lost in thought as they started talking about outfits and some fashion show. He was curious about Isaac. Who was he and why was he such a sore spot? He was so lost in thought he didn't realize that he was absentmindedly playing with Drea's hair.
Melody leaned in to whisper into Drea's ear,"He's cute Drea, and he seems to really like you."
"It's not like that, he's just my partner at work, I brought him so Mom wouldn't try to introduce me to anyone tonight," Drea whispered back.
"I don't know, Drea, he seems very affectionate. Act or not, he's comfortable around you, and you are with him. Maybe it's a game right now but keep an open mind. I think he would be good for you," Melody said with a smile.
Two more men joined the table. A slightly older man who greeted Drea warmly. Apparently her cousin Julian, the one putting on the fundraiser. The last was a tall handsome Korean man named Kevin who seemed to immediately dislike Jared and his proximity to Drea. Jared made a point to lean closer to Drea, feeling oddly protective seeing the way the man eyed her hungrily.
"Julian, Kevin, this is my partner, Jared Vasquez, he's helping me deter mom from throwing me to the wolves," Drea said.
"He's definitely an upgrade from the last man you introduced us to, Drea," Julian joked before reaching out to shake Jared's hand, "Nice to meet you, man. Be careful with the elder Mikami. She's been trying to get Drea married off for years. Every event I throw inadvertently gets turned into a speed dating event for Drea. I'm happy she found a friend willing to put up with it to spare her some embarrassment."
"My pleasure, Drea's a great partner," Jared said, throwing a fond smile her way.
"Nice to meet you," Kevin said stiffly as he shook Jared's hand. He then turned to Drea, "If you needed a date you could have asked me Drea."
"Oh stop it Kevin, you're one of the ones that Mrs. Mikami would force Drea to marry. You know Drea, she wants a 'normal guy'," Katrina said bluntly.
"Guys, just stop. I'm not getting married anytime soon to anyone," Drea said with a hint of frustration, "Can we talk about Mel and Ivan finally getting engaged after 7 years."
Julian and Kevin took the last two seats at the table across from Jared and Drea. The group started talking jovially about Melody and Ivan's upcoming nuptials. The dinner was served and it was one of the most delicious meals that he had had in a while. It was nice seeing Drea loosen up and talk with friends he had known since she was a child.
Eventually, Julian left the table to host the event. It was pretty standard, the tickets and donations from all these rich people would go to some charity for underprivileged kids in the city. It devolved from there into a party with a band playing instrumental music. Things were going incredibly smooth until Jared decided to go to the restroom.
The two couples had gone off to the dancefloor, Julian was off mingling, and that left Kevin and Drea. Kevin immediately took a seat next to Drea, taking her hand and leaning in close so she could hear him speak.
"Drea, you look so beautiful tonight. When will you give me a chance?" Kevin asked, gripping her hand tightly.
"Kevin, stop joking around," Drea shrugged him off, removing her hand from his grasp to reach for her wine glass.
Kevin grabbed her hand again and leaned in so that his lips were brushing her ear with each word, "Drea, I'm not joking. You told me to wait. After everything with Isaac you needed time to heal. So I gave you that time. It's been five years, Drea. I'm the CEO of my family's company. Your father and I are business partners. Your mother has given her blessing. I expected to come here and finally confess again now that you've let off some steam with this rebellion. But it's time to leave that job and your partner behind and come back and run our families' businesses together."
"Kevin, let me go. I know what I said before. I did my healing and I won't settle for anything less than I want and deserve. And I don't want you. I'm sorry." Drea whispered back urgently, pushing Kevin back into his seat.
"You're such a stupid bitch you know that. After everything we've been through. After you chose that psycho over me. And who did you go running to when he turned on you? You think you're too good for me Drea? You're nothing but a used up druggies bitch who doesn't know when to shut up and just take her best option. Or do you only let psycho meth heads fuck you? Does your new partner know what kind of whore you are?" Kevin seethed, getting in her face. His voice grew louder with each sentence. The music and chatter was still louder than him, but those nearby had started to notice that something was wrong.
Drea was close to tears, standing from her seat she addressed him, "How could you say that?"
"How could you reject me? I'm more than you deserve but I would still love you Drea. Even knowing your history. Not many men would. Especially men of my caliber. You think your little lieutenant will still like you when he finds out what they did to you? You aren't worth anything Drea. But I'm worth so much that I can make up for it. Just stop being such a pig headed bitch and make a good choice for once!" Kevin urged her. Grabbing her by her shoulders and shaking her.
Suddenly, Drea was pulled from his grasp and Jared was in front of her, throwing a punch so hard that Kevin landed hard on the floor, knocked out. Eyes started turning towards them, someone gasped, someone screamed. Then people were rushing towards them. Jared turned to her to say something, but she couldn't hear anything. Blood was rushing in her ears, tears were streaming down her face and all she could do was run. So she did.
She ran between the tables, pushed her way through the crowd and escaped through side doors that lead to a courtyard. The spring night air was cold on her skin, her breaths coming in sharp inhales that nearly made her cough. Drea couldn't see the beautiful garden or the perfectly carved pillars through her tears. The heaving sobs that wracked her body came hard and fast. She reached out for something, anything to cling to while she spiralled into the feeling. Like she was dying. So overwhelmingly alive with pain and cold air and heartache, but at the same time she was dying from it.
Drea's hand found the cold rock of a pillar and she gripped fruitlessly at the smooth surface. Her knees gave way and she fell. Curling up against the pillar, her hands gripping the cloth at her chest, trying to find her own heart because she didn't think it could still be there.
Drea was so overwhelmed that she hadn't noticed that Jared wasn't far behind her. When he reached for her hands to stop her from tearing her dress she fought back.
"Drea! Drea! It's me! It's Jared! I'm not going to hurt you," Jared pleaded as she scratched and flailed. He managed to grab both her wrists and then held them both down with one hand while the other gently but firmly cupped her cheek, "Drea, look at me. Look at me. You're ok. You're safe. It's just me. It's Jared."
Drea met his eyes and familiarity slowly sank in. When she finally spoke her voice was soft and broken from crying, "Jay?"
Jared just opened his arms and Drea threw herself into them, weeping. His mind was moving a mile a minute. He was angry at Kevin for what he said, even though he didn't understand half of it. He was angry at himself for leaving Drea alone when he was supposed to protect her. But most of all he was worried. Drea never shortened his name. She said she felt like she was stepping into Michaela territory if she did. Instead she made up all kinds of silly names for him instead.
Her wracking sobs soon faded and her breathing slowed. Jared now had his back to the pillar, his arms around Drea, with her in his lap. She had her head curled into the crook of his neck. Jared didn't say anything as he held her in his arms, gently running his hand up and down the outside of her bicep. He tried not to think of how good she smelled, and how she was trembling just the slightest bit.
The tell tale click of high heels on stone broke the intimate moment. Drea stiffened in his arms but he only held her tighter and whispered reassuring words.
"Drea? Jared?" Katrina called softly before she rounded the pillar. Once she spotted them she gasped at the sight of her friend and knelt down, "Oh Dre. I'm so sorry. If we had known he would push you again we would have never left you alone. He's gone now. Your dad had a fit and Julian kicked him out. I can't believe he would say those things."
Drea didn't respond, just turned closer into Jared's neck. She was telling him she wanted to go. He didn't know how he knew but he knew. "Katrina, is there any way you can get the valet to bring Drea's car to the back outside the courtyard gate? I think it's best that I take Drea home."
"Jared, it really won't look good for her to just leave. I mean it will be like she let Kevin win," Katrina responded without thinking.
Drea flinched, and that made Jared angry, "Look Katrina I know we just met, but right now I think the only one who is putting Drea first is me. So please get Drea's car brought over. We are leaving and I don't give a damn what any of you people think because Drea did absolutely nothing wrong."
Properly chastised Katrina whispered an apology before heading back into the building. Jared sighed pulling Drea closer to his chest to bring him some comfort of his own. He leaned his head against Drea's, kissing her forehead instinctually, "Drea, I'm gonna take you home ok. I know I'm making decisions for you and you hate that but I'm worried about you. So I'm going to take you home where I know you will be safe, away from all this."
Drea didn't respond for a moment then he felt her nod her head and grip him tighter. Her voice came soft and muffled, "Take me home, Jay."
Jared did just that. He took her home to his house. Something told him she didn't want to go back to her apartment. She didn't question the route they took or when they arrived in front of his place and he led her inside. Drea was looking less unstable but that didn't stop Jared from babying her. He sat her in the living room and brought her a glass of cold water. She sipped at it. He carefully took her shoes off and then gingerly started combing her hair. Drea stayed stuck in her thoughts until she realized he was meticulously taking out her clip in extensions and placing them on the coffee table.
Drea was surprised at the thoughtful and detailed gesture and felt herself start crying again. But the tears were silent and accompanied by a sad smile.
"There we go. Well, Cinderella, it is a lot later than midnight and time for bed. I'll go find you something to sleep in and wash up myself. Then you can have my bedroom and the bathroom," Jared stood up to go up stairs but Drea grasped his hand. When he turned she stood up and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Thank you, Jared. Thank you for everything."
"Drea, you're my friend. You needed me and I was there. I don't know what all that was but don't feel like you have to explain anything to me. I'm just happy you're feeling better. That Kevin guy is a dick. Forget him and anything he said," Jared replied. He held her close, rubbing his hand up and down on her back. She finally relinquished her grasp on him and looked up at him.
Her eyes were rimmed red and puffy. But she looked up at him with a soft smile, "You really are a knight in a shining necktie."
Jared laughed and just made his way upstairs. In the meantime, Drea checked her phone. There were a few missed calls and texts that she ignored. She decided not to tell Jared the details behind the confrontation that night. She wasn't ready to admit it to him. When Jared came down, he had his arms full. An extra blanket and pillow for himself and a t-shirt and boxers for her. "This is all I have but it should be comfortable enough for tonight. Don't bother arguing with me about my bed. You're my guest, and after tonight you need the comfort of a nice bed."
He handed her the clothing then walked over to the couch, setting up his sleeping area. He was wearing thin grey sweats and a black wife beater. If Drea were in a better mood she would have made a joke about seeing him so undressed. Jared was about to settle in and shut off the light when he realized that Drea was still in the room, staring at him, "What?"
"Nothing," Drea answered quickly, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks.
"No sharing beds. At least not yet," Jared quipped, winking at her.
"Shut up!" Drea gasped and ran up the stairs.
Jared just chuckled to himself as he shut off the light and got comfortable. The events of the day passed through his mind. He tried not to think about how good Drea looked in her dress, or how good she probably looked in his shirt and boxers. He tried not to think about how good she smelled, or the jealousy and rage he felt when he saw Kevin touching her and then yelling at her. Holding her for who knows how long in that courtyard, in any other instance, would have made him uncomfortable. But it quelled his rage, and woke something else in him. What it awoke were feelings that were too deep to be merely platonic. But he wouldn't think about that.
Upstairs Drea had decided to take a shower. She was surprised to find a basic but thorough skincare regimen, decent shampoo and conditioner, and neutral smelling shower gels in his bathroom. Remnants he probably picked up from his last two serious relationships. She silently thanked god that she wasn't forced to use a 3-in-1 after a day like today.
Soon she was tucked up in bed, her hair wrapped in a towel and clad in the clothes Jared gave her. The bed smelled of him and so did the clothes. A smell she now associated with his strong arms around her as she broke down. Jared went above and beyond with helping her tonight and she felt her heart ache a little. Kevin's words were still ringing in her ears. What would Jared think once she told him the truth of what had happened to her?
Her phone chimed from the bedside table. Jared had texted her.
*You're amazing, Drea. Ignore what Kevin said. I will always think you're amazing and funny and stubborn as hell. Nothing anyone could say would make me feel any different.*
Drea hugged her phone to her chest and let a few tears slip out before her phone chimed again.
*No more crying or you'll look like a steamed bun in the morning.*
She couldn't help but laugh a little at that. Jared was here and he liked how she was right now. The past was the past. Finally she snuggled into Jared's bed and went to sleep.
