Work Text:
A cool spring breeze tussled your hair as you looked up at the tall beige building across the street. From the sidewalk you could spot John’s office way at the top. Your eyes focused on the disheveled blinds glinting in the morning light as you wondered what sort of night he had. And why he never got those fucking blinds fixed.
Being a secretary at the office down the hall from John Blacksad had certainly earned you some interesting work experience. When work was slow, your manager let you take odd jobs for the detective. She pitied him to some extent. For working long days and longer nights. For putting his neck on the line for clients and still getting skimped on the pay. And, like all good managers, she lived for the drama. The drama that only you were able to glean from the cold hard detective next door.
As you pushed through the heavy revolving door to the entrance of the office building, transitioning from the nipping cold of the New York morning to the blazing heat of the radiator filled building, you couldn’t stop the sly smile slipping across your cheeks. The potential of the new day made you giddy.
You walked straight past your own office. Your manager could wait a few minutes. With all the confidence of a twenty-something big city intern you knocked on his door. Behind the frosted glass you saw his burly shape rise from his desk and slowly approach.
He opened the door with a cautious crack then swung it wide when your smile reached his eyes.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite intern.” He said. You caught a whiff of cigarette smoke as it vacated the room. Smells like a long night. “How can I entertain you today?” He teased, stepping aside and swinging his arm out in a dramatic welcome. You stepped inside and promptly plopped down on the one guest seat that wasn’t covered in a mountain of paper.
He trailed behind you as he took a seat at his own desk chair. The wood creaked underneath his weight. Nonchalantly, he tipped the chair back, set his feet up on the desk, and dropped his laced hands on his stomach.
You surveyed the little room. It was a wreck. A tornado seemed to have decimated the small space years ago and he had never been able to recover. You couldn’t even imagine a time when his office was even remotely clean. Your eyes settled on the blinds again.
“What’s the story there?” You asked, pitching up an eyebrow as he looked over at the mess of plastic dangling in front of the window. With a glance at the dismay, he shrugged.
“I guess the same thing that happened to the rest of this office. One of the many scars of a disgruntled client.” He sighed. “Can’t really be avoided in my industry. Better them take it out on the furniture than on me.” he mused.
“So…what’s on the schedule today, detective?”
He locked eyes with you. That familiar smug smile spread across his cheeks. “Let’s skip the chit chat. I know you just wanted to see me.”
You couldn’t help but smile like a dumbass. “Maybe.”
“I knew it.” he grinned. As smooth as ever, he swung his feet off the desk. He sauntered from behind his desk to the back of your chair, placing his hands on each end. He leaned down, his wide chest casting a faint shadow over you. “I’ve got a task for you today, actually.” he said, his voice tantalizingly low.
You tilted your head up at him. “What do you have for me today?” you whispered back. You gently toyed with the tip of his dangling tie and dared to tug him a little closer.
He obeyed your tug, leaning so close you could smell the cheap whiskey on his breath. “I’ve got a lead on a target at the flower shop down the block.” He traced his hand down his tie and took your hand in his. Accepting the prompt, you stood to face him. For the first time you were able to truly admire that broad chest of his as he pulled you closer than ever before. He leaned close to your ear. “And I think I need a partner to help pass as a doting boyfriend.” he said as his whiskers kissed your ear.
You closed the difference between you and dropped your head against his chest. You felt his breath hitch in surprise underneath your temple. “Oh, why yes! I would love fresh roses for our anniversary!” you announced with an exaggerated exuberance and the most dramatic puppy dog eyes you could muster.
His chest lightly bounced against your head as he erupted in laughter.
“It’s settled then.” he chuckled, wrapping you in a real embrace for just a moment.
After what felt like an hour, he pulled back, putting both of his big hands on your shoulder. “I’ll treat you to a coffee as payment.” He glanced down at your jacket and scarf. “And maybe some for your manager too. A peace offering for stealing her intern for the day.” He offered with a sly smile.
Together you walked back into the cool spring breeze, his arm over your shoulder. You walked in perfect sync down the block. Almost as if you had been a couple all along. There was no need to pretend.
The sincerity in his eyes as he handed you the biggest bouquet of roses you had ever seen gave him away. Instantly you knew this wouldn’t be your last little outing together.
And as the cool wind pushed you two closer, you hoped it would never end.