Author's Note: I do not own Blue Bloods or any of its characters.

Chapter 10: A New Beginning

The day of Carlos Vega's trial had finally arrived, and Maria stood in front of the courthouse, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. It was a day she had dreaded and longed for in equal measure—a chance to confront her tormentor one last time, to see justice served, and to close this chapter of her life.

Danny stood by her side, his presence as steady and reassuring as ever. His hand gently squeezed hers, a silent reminder that he was with her, no matter what happened today.

"You ready for this?" Danny asked, his voice low.

Maria took a deep breath, her nerves coiled tight. "As ready as I'll ever be."

They walked into the courthouse together, a united front. Maria had testified in court countless times, but this felt different. This wasn't just another case—this was personal.

The courtroom felt cold and sterile, the air thick with tension as Maria walked down the aisle, flanked by Danny. She could feel the weight of everyone's eyes on her—the press, the spectators, Vega's defense team. But none of that mattered. The only person she focused on was Carlos Vega, seated at the defendant's table, his expression smug and defiant despite the evidence against him.

As Maria took her place in the witness stand, she locked eyes with Vega. He gave her a chilling smirk, as if to remind her of the terror he had caused, the fear he had instilled. But Maria wasn't the same woman she had been a few months ago. She wasn't broken or afraid anymore. She had survived, and she was here to face him head-on.

Danny sat in the gallery, his gaze never leaving her. Maria could feel his support, his unwavering presence like an anchor in a storm. She glanced at him briefly before taking a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come.

The prosecutor, a sharp woman named Dana McNally, stood and approached the stand, her expression one of calm determination. "Detective Baez," she began, her voice steady. "Can you please tell the court how you know the defendant, Carlos Vega?"

Maria's heart pounded, but her voice was firm as she began recounting the story. "I arrested Carlos Vega eight years ago. He was convicted of the murder of a rival gang member, but I was the lead detective on the case. He swore revenge on me from the day of his arrest."

As she spoke, her mind drifted back to that time—how young and determined she had been, eager to prove herself in the NYPD. She had thought Vega was just another criminal, someone who would fade into the background after serving his time. She never imagined he would come back into her life in such a terrifying way.

The prosecutor continued to lead Maria through the testimony, having her recount the events of the last few months—the threatening notes, the constant surveillance, the night Vega broke into her apartment. Maria's hands trembled slightly as she spoke of the fear she had lived with, but she kept her composure, refusing to let Vega see any more of her vulnerability.

When the time came for the defense attorney to cross-examine her, Maria braced herself. The lawyer, a slick man named Roy Caffrey, approached with a calculated expression, clearly aiming to discredit her.

"Detective Baez," he began, his tone dripping with skepticism. "You claim that my client, Mr. Vega, was stalking you for months, yet there are no eyewitnesses who can place him at the scenes of these alleged incidents. Isn't it possible you were mistaken?"

Maria didn't flinch. She had expected this line of questioning. "I'm not mistaken. Vega left specific details in his notes—details about me that no one else could have known. He followed me. He watched me."

The defense attorney gave a dismissive nod. "And yet, during the supposed break-in at your apartment, no one saw him flee the scene. There's no physical evidence to tie him to that night."

Maria's jaw tightened. She knew this was his tactic, to make her doubt herself, to make the jury question the credibility of her story. But she wouldn't let him succeed. "There may not be physical evidence, but I know what I saw. He was there."

Danny's steady gaze from the gallery gave her strength as she held firm. The defense attorney continued his attempts to poke holes in her testimony, but Maria remained composed, answering each question with conviction.

Finally, after what felt like hours, the cross-examination ended, and Maria was allowed to step down. As she returned to her seat beside Danny, he reached over and took her hand, squeezing it tightly.

"You did great," he whispered, his voice full of admiration.

Maria let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "I hope it's enough."

The trial proceeded quickly after that. The prosecution presented their evidence—Vega's history of violence, the threatening notes with his handwriting, the pattern of surveillance that matched his movements after his release from prison. It was all damning, and Maria could see the tide turning against Vega. The smugness had faded from his expression, replaced by cold fury.

When the jury finally returned with their verdict, the entire courtroom seemed to hold its breath. Maria sat rigid, her hands clenched tightly in her lap as the foreman stood to deliver the decision.

"We find the defendant, Carlos Vega, guilty on all counts."

A collective sigh of relief seemed to wash over the room, but for Maria, it was more than that. It was a weight lifted from her chest, a sense of finality she had been longing for. Vega had lost. Justice had been served.

As the bailiff escorted Vega from the courtroom, he glared at Maria one last time, his eyes filled with hatred. But this time, it didn't shake her. She stared back, unflinching, knowing that he would never have power over her again.

Later that evening, Maria and Danny sat together on the rooftop of her apartment building, looking out over the city. The air was cool, and the stars shone brightly above them, offering a sense of peace after the long, grueling day.

"I can't believe it's over," Maria said softly, leaning her head against Danny's shoulder.

"It is," Danny replied, wrapping his arm around her. "And you were incredible today. You showed so much strength."

Maria smiled, though the emotions of the day still weighed heavily on her. "I couldn't have done it without you."

Danny turned to face her, his expression serious. "You don't give yourself enough credit. You've been through hell, and you came out stronger on the other side. I'm proud of you, Baez. And I'm proud to be with you."

Maria looked up at him, her heart swelling with emotion. She had never imagined she could feel so deeply for someone, especially after everything she had been through. But Danny had been her constant—her anchor—and now, more than ever, she realized how much he meant to her.

"I love you, Danny," Maria whispered, the words slipping out before she had time to think. But once they were out, she realized how true they were.

Danny's eyes softened, and he smiled, his thumb gently brushing against her cheek. "I love you too, Maria. Always."

They kissed then, the city skyline stretching out before them, the stars twinkling above. It wasn't the end of their journey, but it was the beginning of something new—a future filled with love, trust, and the promise of whatever came next.

As they sat together, wrapped in each other's warmth, Maria knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

And for the first time in a long time, she wasn't afraid of what the future might hold. She was ready for it, with Danny by her side.

The End

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I just wish they were already a couple on the show already! We shall see what the last episodes have for our favorite detectives. Working on a few other ideas but will post them as soon as they're complete!