Connor's POV

Connor wanted to tell Tasha how he felt, more than anything, but he didn't know how to express it out loud. Honestly, he didn't know how to express the thoughts let alone speak them.

Connor stayed with her every night. He made the excuse in his head that it was crucial to his mission, but in reality he just needed to be with her. It helped ease his mind when he knew she was safe, in his arms, and just maybe he enjoyed it, though he'd never admit it to her...

It had been almost three weeks since Tasha had been discharged, she was back working and everything was seemingly normal. She went to therapy a few times a week, and while she rarely spoke on it, it seemed to cheer her up. Connor kept a close eye on her, and would analyze her more than usual — when she'd catch him doing so, rather than become annoyed she seemed appreciative.

Word had spread of Tasha's incident, and the other officers had been very helpful and kind towards Tasha. Even Gavin had been kinder than, well than Connor has ever seen Gavin be to anyone, let alone her.

"Hey Tasha," Gavin had gone up to her desk, an expression on his face Connor could only describe as... regret?

Tasha looked up, sceptical at the man. "Gavin." She greeted him neutrally as she looked back at her screen.

"Can I talk to you?"

"I haven't told you to go away, so talk." Tasha replied, not looking up from her screen.

Gavin moved so he was leaning against her desk. "I wanted to... apologize for my behaviour."

Tasha glanced up, "You, apologizing?" Tasha scoffed, "Never thought I'd see that happen."

Gavin's frown lightened slightly as he looked at her, "I didn't know you were going through a rough time. I say a lot of crap to you but it's because I like you — you're a great detective and a beautiful little lady." He smiled, and for once it didn't come off as creepy, but rather a kind, genuine smile. "I just... I'm sorry if what I said pushed you to..." Gavin trailed off, looking away from her. "I'm sorry. Okay? And I want you to know that I am here for you. I enjoy our... arguments."

Tasha stared at Gavin for a while, taking in his words. "Gavin..." She smiled softly as she looked up at him. "I forgive you. And I don't expect things to change between us — I wouldn't have it any other way." She admitted, laughing. "But I appreciate your apology. I didn't know you thought so highly of me."

"You're not just a pretty face." Gavin smirked, getting off her desk. "But I mean it, anything you need, I got your back, alright?"

Tasha nodded, "Sure, Gavin." Smiling as he nodded at her, walking back to his own desk.

"That was... weird." She said after Gavin was out of earshot, looking over to Hank and Connor who were both staring and clearly had been eavesdropping.

"Weird isn't the word I'd use." Hank snorted, shaking his head. "You actually believin' the bullshit he said?"

Tasha shrugged, "I don't know. He seemed genuine, right?"

"He was telling the truth." Connor spoke up from his desk, looking over at Tasha. He didn't seem happy by any means, but he wanted her to know that Gavin was telling the truth, even if he didn't like the man.

Tasha blinked a few times. "Well, I guess that settles it then." She smiled at Connor before turning back to Hank.

"You gonna start pining after Gavin now? Because I ain't putting up with him any more than I have to now."

"That would be unpleasant." Connor said, not looking at Tasha.

"God, Hank... can you let me enjoy the one moment where Gavin isn't being a douche?" Tasha laughed, "No, I don't like Gavin that way, not at all really, but after everything — I don't need negativity alright? Don't worry I think we'll be back to hating each other in no time." Tasha rolled her eyes as she went back to her work.

That, however, had not been the case.

Gavin would come to her desk every so often, complimenting her or asking if she needed anything — Tasha would usually brush him off, but when Connor analyzed her her heart rate was slightly elevated — not anything near what it was when she was talking to him, but it still made Conor feel sick to his stomach.

He much preferred when Tasha hated Gavin's guts, so to speak.

Connor was brought out of his thoughts as a man approached Tasha's desk, causing him to stiffen slightly, on alert, ready to protect her if need be.

"Hi ladybug."

Tasha looked up at the man, her expression seemed like a mixture of sad and surprised. "What are you doing here, Jeremiah?"

The man Jeremiah smiled sweetly at her. "I came in to see my folks, and I heard that you were working here."

"And you decided to come see me. Why?"

Jeremiah shrugged, "Do I need a reason to see my old friend?"

"Old friend? Ha, you must be thinking of someone else."

"Tasha—"

"I have work to do."

"Then how about I take you for coffee?"

"She hates coffee." Gavin walked up to Tasha's desk, smiling at her. "Hey pretty thing."

"Hi Gavin." Tasha smiled......

wait what?

Tasha smiled at Gavin. "Jeremiah, this is Gavin."

"Oh, Hello." Jeremiah seemed annoyed now. "Are you sure you're not free?"

"Hasn't she told you? She's got a date with me." Gavin moved to stand next to Tasha, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "You're a forgetful one, babe."

"Oh, I totally forgot about that." Tasha lied to the man rather convincingly, "Sorry Jer. Rain check?"

"Ha, yeah. See you around I guess."

As Jeremiah left, Tasha shoved Gavin's arm off her. "Gah!"

"I just saved you a night of dealing with your ex." Gavin smirked at her, "I think you owe me."

Tasha rolled her eyes. "If you think I'm going to do something weird with you, Reed, then you can shove that idea up your ass."

"No, no, nothing like that — though those cards are on the table if you change your mind." Gavin winked, "Have dinner with me tonight. I'll leave you alone for a whole month, alright?"

"Oh, a month? How kind of you." Tasha snorted, but she smiled slightly. "Fine. You're buying."

"Of course." Gavin took her hand, kissing it before walking off.

Tasha shivered and made a disgusting face. "Ew god what have I gotten myself into?"

Tasha turned and saw Hank staring at her with narrowed eyebrows.

"Was that... Jeremiah?" Hank asked Tasha, his eyebrows furrowed.

"Yep." Tasha replied as she went back to her work, putting her head phones in to drown out the world.

Hank shook his head disapprovingly before turning to Connor. "I never liked that kid."

Connor watched as Tasha stared after the man, her eyes showing sadness... but also something else — something that made Connor feel angry.

It was not a pleasant feeling.

That day Connor found himself thinking of Tasha and her relationship with the man. Ever since he left the precinct Tasha seemed... unlike herself.

"Do you think that man will come back?"

"What, are you jealous?" Hank let out a laugh, "After the way Gavin was acting with her, I don't think Jeremiah will be coming back."

"Do you think Tasha will enjoy her date with Gavin?"

"I doubt it will be a pleasant experience for her." Hank snorted, copying Connor's usual language, "Why? Worried Gavin might take her from you?"

"She isn't mine." Connor said bluntly, "I just don't want him to interrupt our mission."

Hank rolled his eyes, "You can try fooling yourself, but you can't fool me. You're in too deep now, Connor. Buckle up, you're about to go down a rabbit hole full of emotions."

A/N: Please leave scene suggestions that you'd like to see me write and add to this story, I love all of your comments! Thank you for reading!
Y'all, 41k views?! This is amazing thank you so much!
Ps: this drawing was made by Sugartooth63 and it's absolutely adorable! Thank you so much lovely.