Hi lovely readers! So I recently started rewatching Glee and of course all the Samcedes feels came back along with some of my other favorite couples/ characters. I also watch a lot of detective shows, so that plays into what I'm writing. I hope you guys enjoy the first chapter!

"Merce, babe, have you seen my badge?" Sam Evans questioned from the other room. He checked himself out in the full length mirror in their bedroom, buttoning up his hunter green dress shirt and tucking it into his black slacks. He buttoned his pants and fastened his belt just as his fiance, Mercedes Jones, walked into the room holding up his blue and gold detective badge.

"Here you are my love." She handed it to him grabbing his tie off the bed and moving to stand in front of him. Sam clipped his badge on his belt as Mercedes brought the black fabric around his neck, lifting his collar before starting her work on the tie."I love this color on you."

She finished with his tie, fixing his collar, and smoothing her hands down the front of his shirt before wrapping her arms around his waist. Sam wrapped his arms around his girl's shoulders, looking down at her. Mercedes rested her chin against his chest tilting her head up to stare into those gorgeous green eyes she loved so much. After a minute of them gazing at each other, a smile graced his features. "What?"

"You're just so damn beautiful. I can't look away." His smile widened as she playfully rolled her eyes.

"Have you looked in the mirror Evans? I'm pretty sure you're prettier than me." Mercedes winked,standing on her tiptoes and planting a kiss to his lips. Sam deepened the kiss, moving his hand to cradle the back of her head. They separated after a minute. "I made breakfast." Mercedes stated after catching her breath. "You got time to eat?"

Sam brought his hand up checking his watch. "Not today babe. Gotta head to the precinct a little early. Cap's orders."

Mercedes odded, smoothing her hands up and down his back a few times. Her left thumb rubbed subconsciously over the spot on his lower back where his scar was. Her mind wandered to the day six months ago when she thought the worst had happened.

"Hey" Sam spoke, interrupting her thoughts. She looked up at him again continuing to run her fingers along his lower back as his hands massaged her shoulders. Bringing his head down so their foreheads rested against each other, he whispered "I'm fine Merce. That was months ago."

Mercedes sighed, nodding again before pulling away completely. "I made your coffee and a BLT to go, just in case you couldn't stay." Sam smiled again giving a light kiss to her temple before moving to their closet to retrieve his gun from the safe. He double checked to make sure the safety was on before putting the gun in his holster. Grabbing his black leather jacket, he made his way to the kitchen where Mercedes was pouring herself a cup of coffee. Sam grabbed his breakfast off the counter, slipping his wallet in his back pocket.

"You work today?"

Mercedes shook her head before speaking. I switched shifts with Brittany, so I'm working the night shift tomorrow. I am meeting with the wedding planner today though with your mom, Kurt and Tina."

Sam nodded, checking his watch again. He was cutting it close for his first day back on duty. "Alright babe, I've gotta go for real this time. Have fun doing all the girly things that weddings consist of. Just don't do the cake tasting without me "

"Wouldn't dream of it." She replied with a smile. Sam gave her one last kiss before heading for the door. "Hey" He turned to look at his fiance, halfway out the door already. "You come back to me in one piece, okay. No more meeting me at the hospital." Sam's features softened. He knew Mercedes had been worried about him returning back to active duty.

"I promise. I'll be home in time for dinner."

"You better be, or I swear I'll make my way to the station and drag you out myself."

Sam knew she was only half joking as he nodded sending a quick I love you before heading out.

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Half an hour later, Sam made his way into the precinct with two minutes to spare. He greeted everyone as he passed by, getting welcome backs in response. Taking the stairs up to his department floor, making his way to his desk and draping his jacket over the desk chair.

Sam was surprised his desk seemed to be cleaner than he'd left it. He figured one of the one of the guys straightened it up for him. If he asked them, he knew no one would admit to it, but it was one of the non verbal ways to let Sam know that they missed him. Leaving his desk and making his way down the familiar hallway to the briefing room, he thought about how much he'd missed coming to work over the past six months. He'd take a hundred briefings, and even do all the lousy paperwork that no one wanted to do, over going to rehab and doing what he felt like was next to nothing for the past half of a year. Turning down the hall, he made his way into the briefing room, chuckling as a shout of surprise echoed throughout the room.

"Welcome back bro." Mike Chang, his best friend and partner smiled as they did their signature handshake ending it with a hug. Sam looked around the room filled with all those he'd come to know and respect respect over the years. All had smiles on their faces. A large 'Welcome Back' banner hung at the front of the room. There was a snack table full of pastries and drinks and a large blue, white and gold rectangular cake with the words 'Welcome Back Sammy Boy' and a picture of his badge number on it.

Sam walked into the room giving hugs, high fives, and handshakes to all who he passed. A series of welcome backs and we missed you sounded throughout the room. Captain Roz Washington approached, giving Sam a nod and pat on the back before speaking.

"I hope getting shot and being on leave hasn't made you soft Evans. We don't do soft in this division."

Sam shook his head, internally rolling his eyes at his captain's words. On his other side, Mike was smirking and taking a drink of his coffee to hide his laugh. "No Captain, I haven't gone soft."

"Alright now, when I put you back out on the street with a case, you betta not start acting crazy like you don't know what the hell is going on. Betta get some act right before then. Everybody talkin' about they missed you and shit. Don't let it get to your head."

By now, Mike's shoulders were shaking from holding in his laugh. Sam nudged him as he was on the verge of cracking himself. "Yes ma'am, I'll make sure to get some act right before my next case."

Captain Washington nodded her approval as her eyes moved to Mike. "I don't know what the hell you're laughing at Chang. Same goes for you. Now that your partner is back, don't go acting like you don't know anything." Mike quickly straightened up, clearing his throat with a nod and giving a quick yes ma'am. She glanced around checking the clock before speaking again. "And where's your third partner in crime? I swear you three are three peas in a pod. Like the damn three stooges."

"You muthafucker!" Came a deep, familiar voice from behind Sam. Turning around, he came face to face with his cousin and fellow detective Hunter Clarington.

"Speak of the Devil." Captain Washington stated, stepping away to head toward the pastry table.

"I missed you bitch." Hunter confessed, pulling the blonde in for a tight hug. Sam hugged him back before reminding the other man that they'd just seen each other the day before at Sunday Family Dinner. "Not the same man, and you know it. Sammy Boy's back bitches!" Hunter shouted the last part for everyone to hear. He received a stern look from Captain Washington, waving it off as he turned back to his best friends. "Sadly, I guess this means Mikey and I are no longer riding together, but I'll suck it up. Try not to miss me too much."

"Dude, we see each other literally every day. There's nothing to miss." Mike informed his friend. They did spend a lot of time together. Their families were close. All three men's fathers were cops, graduating the Academy together just as Mike, Hunter and Sam had. It was the family business, and though none of them were forced into it, they all chose it and loved what they did.

Sam moved to grab a glazed doughnut from the table, with Hunter and Mike following. Hunter poured himself a cup of coffee, adding cream before bringing it to his lips. He took a couple gulps before eyeing Mike.

"You get a text from Nonna?" Hunter questioned referring to his and Sam's very Italian grandmother. She had also become a surrogate grandmother to Mike over the years as she had known him since he was born. Both his biological grandmothers passed away before he was born, and Bianca De Luca had spoiled him and loved Mike just as she had all her other grandkids.

"Yeah, she texted me at the crack of dawn. Called me too after I apparently took too long to reply back." The Asian man was starting to regret him and Stevie showing Nonna how to text after Stevie had gotten her an iPhone for her birthday.

"I didn't get a call...or a text." The blonde frowned looking between the two men in front of him.

"Be glad you didn't. She was threatening us." Hunter informed as the three made their way to one of the tables, taking a seat and awaiting for the meeting that would soon start.

"Pssh threatening you maybe. By the end of our phone call, she told me she'd be baking cookies and bringing 'em over later." Mike told them cheerfully as he opened his granola bar, taking a bite.

"Son of a bitch." The brunette mumbled at his friend's confession, openly jealous.

"What the hell? I want some...wait, why'd she threaten you Hunt?" Sam inquired, slightly offended he didn't get a text or call from his grandmother. Hunter pulled out his phone from his jacket pocket finding the text he received at exactly six am that morning.

"Nipote, you better make sure my Sammy doesn't get shot again. If he does, I'm cutting you off. I might even kill you myself. Love Nonna." The brunette rolled his eyes, and Sam let out a snort shaking his head with a smile playing on his lips. He loved his Nonna. She could be a bit much at times for anyone that wasn't used to her personality, but underneath it all, she was the sweetest woman he'd ever known. And he was 99% sure that he was her favorite grandchild.

"I'm definitely the favorite." The blonde stated smugly, finishing his doughnut.

"The fuck you are. She tells me I'm her favorite all the time." Hunter retorted.

"She says that to all of us, you know." Mike interjected as everyone else found their seats for the meeting. "Just don't get shot again Sam, or we'll all have to answer to her."

Before either of them could protest, Captain Washington came up to the front. "Alright my little minions, now that we've welcomed back one of New York's finest, it's time to get back to business."

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Three hours later, Mike and Sam sat in their unmasked Charger waiting for their suspect to walk out of the building.

"Daniel Vargas" Sam read over the file again briefly . "Got quite a few priors. Sounds like a runner."

"Definitely a runner." Mike agreed.

"Rock, paper, scissors." The blonde already had his fist cupped in his other hand ready to play a round like they did everytime they suspected a runner to determine which one of them would have to chase on foot. Mike shook his head.

"Man, hell no! I've done enough running for a year after having Detective Sylvester as a partner for the first three months you were out. She made me chase all the runners, and then said I run like a five year old girl being chased by a baby shark. It's your turn to do the running."

"Oookay" The other man didn't have much to say to that. Their suspect exited an apartment building and jogged across to their side of the street.

"Yo Vargas!"

The young Latino turned at the sound of his name, looking over his shoulder. Mike being nearest to him, flashed his badge.

"Shit!" Was all that was heard before his retreating footsteps echoed, pounding the pavement. Mike sighed letting out a soft chuckle.

"All you Evans. I'll swing around the block, cut him off." Mike hopped back in their patrol car flashing the lights just as the blonde took off chasing the other man who had yet to get very far.

He ended up chasing the kid three blocks dodging an old lady and her cocker spaniel and hopping over the fence in the process. He finally came into close enough distance to put his old high school football skills to use and tackled Vargas to the ground.

"Fuck man! You broke my arm!"

Sam rolled his eyes pulling out his cuffs, clamping them around the suspect's wrists.

"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law…"

Man was he glad to be back.

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The aroma of Chicken Parmesan filled the apartment causing a smile to grace Sam's features when he walked in.

"Merce?"

"In here babe!" She called from the kitchen. Quickly shedding his jacket and shoes, he followed his girl's voice into their kitchen watching as she pulled their dinner out of the oven. "You're just in time Mr. Evans. Glad I didn't have to come looking for you."

Sam moved, planting a kiss to her lips. "Never, when there's food involved, I'll always come back to you."

Mercedes nudged him in the side, shaking her head at the joke. Going through the motions, Sam washed his hands, grabbed plates and glasses for them while she placed the food on the table. They both filled their plates and said grace before digging in.

"Nonna came over today after I got back from wedding planning."

"Did she threaten you too?" He joked, taking a hearty bite of pasta. Mercedes eyed him curiously as she chewed a piece of chicken.

"Of course not. I'm her favorite. We talked about the wedding venue, played three rounds of chess, to which she won all of them. I swear she always cheats." The diva spoke with a smile, taking a sip of her water before continuing. Sam devoured his food as he listened. "She brought a batch of homemade cinnabons and this."

Mercedes moved to grab a light gray card envelope off the counter, placing it on the table within Sam's reach. Already finished with his meal for the most part, he wiped his mouth and hands with a napkin. He picked up the envelope and smiled at the fact it was addressed to 'My Sammy' in his grandmother's neat cursive. Mercedes sat back down continuing her meal. Sam opened the envelope pulling out the cardstock.

Bambino,

I know today was your first day back at work, and you have no idea how happy I am that you are well enough to go back. I'm not surprised you healed as quickly as you did because you're strong just like your Nonno Tony was. You remind me so much of him. I always say Hunter looks just like Nonno when he was his age, but you have his personality, including his determination...and stubbornness.

Sam let out a puff of air knowing her words were true.

I worry everyday about all my grandbabies, but especially you, Mikey, Hunter, and now Stevie will be added to that list since he's graduating from the academy in a couple weeks. I pray everyday for you boys to make it home safely, and I almost lost hope the day your momma called me after finding out you'd been shot. I thought back to the day you were born. How I asked God to grant you a long and full life. I know I'm rambling a bit, but I'm getting to the point, I swear.

Sam smiled a bit at that. Mercedes finished her food taking the plates to the sink to wash them.

Anyway, what I'm trying to say nipote is I want to see you live a full life. For you to marry Mercedes, and bless me with great grandbabies to spoil and love. She may not show it all the time, but she's worried about you. It can be hard loving a man who puts his life on the line everyday. I know first hand. So on days when you come home, and Cedes seems worried or down, take care of her, and let her take care of you. She truly loves you. I never liked any of the little girls you brought home because I saw right through them. Cedes is the real deal. I'll end it there since I feel like I've been writing forever, and my hand is starting to hurt. I'll see you Sunday for family dinner. I'm making your favorite. I love you Sammy.

P.S. Sei il mio bambino preferito.

P.P.S. That's our little secret.

After finishing the letter, Sam rose out of his seat moving to wrap his strong arms around his fiance from behind. Mercedes leaned into the solid embrace as she finished putting foil atop the leftovers.

"What did Nonna say?" Turning around in his embrace, Mercedes leaned against the counter as Sam leaned into her, looking down to meet her chocolate brown hues with his sage ones. She wrapped her arms around his neck running her fingers over the tiny hairs there.

"Just reminding me of what's important."

"And what's that?"

"Family, you...especially you." Sam pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, breathing in her scent of mango and almond butter body wash, and vanilla from her hair. For the past six years, that comforting smell had been home to him. Mercedes was his home. "I love you."

"And I love you." She cupped his face pulling him in for a kiss.

Sarah Martinez had just finished her late night shift at Jay's Diner, she put in her earphones, turning on her favorite Nirvana song, and starting down the sidewalk to walk the five blocks it took to get to the subway terminal. Most of her walk there, the street lights illuminated her path, and she silently mouthed the words to the song's chorus as she continued her journey.

A black van turned down the street she was now on slowing down to creep following behind her. She had yet to notice, jamming out to the song and minding her business. The street she was now on had less light, and she started walking a bit faster. Glancing to her left, she noticed the van out of her peripheral, creeping to a stop. Clutching her purse tighter, and speeding up her walk. Sarah moved to reach for her phone in her pocket a bit too late as she was tightly grabbed from behind. She attempted to scream, but a rag was pulled over her nose and mouth muffling any sound. She kicked and squirmed attempting to get away, but soon found herself too weak to try to fight back. Once her limbs fell limp, the culprit picked her up swiftly, shoving her in the back of the van. The only thing that could be heard on the silent street was Kurt Cobain's last few lines from Smells Like Teen Spirit as her phone was left on the empty sidewalk.

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Hope you liked it! Let me know what you think!