Just a nut case

I don't have many things currently but I'd like to start having it sorted already!

For right now everything is SFW. If I ever decide to do smut I will make it separate to main chapters or have 2 versions. I know that not everyone likes it and I try to be as inclusive as possible with my writing.

(AO3 Link)

Flip Zimmerman

(Ongoing) Your Uncle's Partner: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13

Saint Malthus

(Hiatus) Cloth Corruptor: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3,

Word count: 1.7k

Main summary: Your uncle introduced you to his partner a few years ago when you moved to Colorado Springs and after a while you've been trying to stomp out the feelings that keep trying to pop up. The wheel of fate starts rolling faster and that task only seems to get harder since the training of rookie Ron Stallworth in your records room.

Notes: I only did a quick proof read but everything should be ok

As always this will be cross posted to AO3.

*Header and dividers are made by me, please do not use!

Masterlist Part 1 Next->

The first thing you noticed when you woke up was the dull throbbing pain in your head, the second/third was the weight on your hand and the warmth coming from it. You were used to headaches and migraines but this was different, very different. Everything felt... off. 

Looking down to the right you realize the weight in your hand was actually another hand. Resting next to it laid a soft mop of dishevelled black hair. You haven’t seen Flip relaxed like this in a long time, you couldn’t help but take the time to stare unabashed. Your eyes trace over the familiar triangular shape of his brows, down his prominent nose, over his facial, and finally his lips. Many times you wondered if they were as soft and pillowy as they looked.

You hated what happened between the two of you but you also knew you were both too proud to address what had happened. Or maybe what hadn’t happened? The two of you had times where you guys were in similar phases but it’s never lasted this long. It made you wonder why he was even here and where Ron was. It was still dark out so maybe it wasn’t too late?

Creeeeeek.

The sound of the door opening startled you more than it should have. Your face flushed and you felt as if you had been a child afraid of getting caught doing something they shouldn’t be. The sudden movement sent your head spinning, the cold chill of nausea crawled quickly up your spine. Without thinking you pulled your hand away for his to clutch at your head.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I was just coming in to check on you”

“It’s ok.” You assured her before asking, “What time is it?”

“It’s just about 6:30. I’m going to take your blood pressure real quick then take a look at your head again.”

You nod but grimace as the throbbing in your head increased briefly. Note to self -try not to do that again. Your gaze slides over to Flip once more as the nurse does what she needs to. So it had actually been a few hours, longer than you initially thought.

“He’s been here pretty much the whole time.”

Your face flushes again at her words. Part of you was surprised by that news with how you’ve been but you also knew he was fiercely loyal. 

“Your head is looking good, it seems like it stopped bleeding since the last time we changed it. You can keep it unwrapped. You have some staples back there. You’ll have to do a follow up with your primary in a week to get them checked, it could be an additional week for removal though. I’ll get the doctor to go over your release papers. If you’d like to change, there's the bathroom right there.”

“I don’t have anything to change into?”

“Your friend brought a change of clothes with him.”

You chose to ignore the obvious tone change in favor of getting out of the scratchy hospital gown. You hated that they changed you but you couldn’t fault them for doing their job. 

Your movements were slow to avoid worsening the headache again. Murmuring a thanks you slide pass her into the bathroom. You flick on the small light illuminating the room with the dim fluorescent light. It was cramped with just a simple sink by the door and a toilet in the corner. For a few moments you just stared at your reflection in the mirror. It looks like you but at the same time it doesn’t. You’re a bit off color and your eyes are gaunt and sunken in a tad. Turning your head slightly you take in your marked up cheek. It was shiny with what looked like vaseline or maybe even neosporin, it didn’t really matter what it was. It felt gross.

You stared at the clothes in your hands for a bit trying to place when Flip had gotten them. Had you left them there at some point? Your memory felt fuzzy and the more you strained to think the worse that thundering pulse felt. Putting the clothes down on the sink you’re quick to untie the gown and slide it off. You would not miss it one bit. You were absolutely keeping these socks though.

Upon unfolding the shirt you suddenly realize why you couldn’t place the pajamas. They weren’t even yours -they were Flip’s. The white under shirt was large on your frame, engulfing you like a kid playing dress up in their parents clothes. It was soft against your skin, you could see why he always chose the same brand. His scent radiated off the shirt and around you like a haunted hug. The black cotton pants were next. You cinched the drawstring tight and rolled the waistband a few times, they were still dragging a bit on the ground as you moved. Hopefully they wouldn’t get too roughed up by the time you got home. It felt strange but comforting to be wearing his clothes.

“Are you ok in there?”

Flip’s question startled you out of your thoughts. Pain rolled over you as you jumped.

“I’ll be right out.” 

You must have been taking longer than you realized. You cleared your throat before checking your appearance one last time. If only you had a hair tie or a clip. This was going to be awkward. No! You two are adults, everything would be fine.

You regret opening the door immediately as you come face to face, well more like face to chest, with Flip.

“Hi.” You manage to squeak out.

“Hi.” His response was slightly unsure.

Well shit, this was awkward. The two of you stand there in some sort of strange stalemate, neither of you make the first move to talk again. Should you just say something? What does someone say in this situation? Sorry I got knocked the fuck out, I promise it won’t happen again.

Flip is the first one to break. “Look, I uh-”

“Hi guys! I’m back with the doctor.” The nurse looks between you guys briefly. “Is this a bad time?”

“Not at all!” You shout, relieved at the interruption.

You move out of the doorway and closer to Flip so you could shut it again. You can feel the heat radiating off him now that you were so close.

“I’m sure the nurse went over a few things already so I’ll be quick so you folks can go home and rest in your own bed. First check up in a week and another one in two weeks if you need more time to heal. No showering for 24-48, you’ll want to keep your staples dry for a bit. We’ll send you home with some antibiotic ointment for your cheek, that should heal up quickly for the most part. No driving or operating heavy machinery for 24-48 hours. I’m sure your husband can cover for you for a bit on the first part.”

You watch the nurse cringe and try to correct him but he doesn’t seem to hear her. Your face warms as you and the nurse make eye contact. 

“Other than that I think you two are good to go. Oh! Before I forget, no funny business for about 2-3 days.” He wags a finger at you guys as he jokes.

Your close your eyes and pray to whatever higher power to smite you where you stand. You see the nurse frantically trying to save the situation when you open them again. Your face feels hotter than the sun as you hear Flip mutter behind you.

“Yes sir.”

“I can take it from here Doctor! Thank you so much, I’ll have them sign the paperwork.” 

She ushers him out quickly and closes the door. The three of you stare at each other in silence before she breaks it with a sheepish apology. “I’m so sorry you guys. I tried to tell him that that wasn’t what your cop friend meant but-”

“It’s ok.” You reassure her gently. “You said you had paperwork for me?”

“Yes. You’ll just need to sign here, here, and here.” She points to the spots as she speaks. “One says we went over discharge instructions with you, that you acknowledge them, and that you’ll be billed for services -or I guess the police force will handle that with the hospital. ”

You sign and hand her back the pen and papers. “Thank you for everything tonight.”

“You’re welcome. You don’t have to rush to leave, you can take your time.” She says as she makes her way to leave.

The two of you are standing alone again, engulfed in silence once more until you break it this time.  

“You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to. I know it’s late and you probably want to go home.”

“I’m driving you home.” He says after a beat.

“I can drive myself. It’ll be fine.” You shrug on your coat hastily.

“Your car is still at the station.” He says matter of factly

“I’ll call a cab.” 

“No.”

“Then I’ll walk home.” You spin to face him, nostrils flare with irritation. You sway slightly at the action.

“Not a chance in hell.” He fires back.

Your eye twitches in annoyance at his quick responses. Why the hell did he have to be so stubborn? The two of you stand for a while before trying again.

“Can you just-”

You’re cut off as Flip scoops you up effortlessly, effectively killing off whatever argument you were about to make. Your head spins at the sudden fast movement. Flip makes quick work of grabbing your dress and heels.

“Time to go home, this is exactly why you aren’t going anywhere other than my truck.”

“Put me down right now! People are staring!” You seethed at him lowly.

“Winston is waiting and I’m sure as hell not letting you go off with some hare brain plan.”

“Fine.” 

Word count: 1.2k

Main summary: Your uncle introduced you to his partner a few years ago when you moved to Colorado Springs and after a while you've been trying to stomp out the feelings that keep trying to pop up. The wheel of fate starts rolling faster and that task only seems to get harder since the training of rookie Ron Stallworth in your records room.

Notes: Time for things to start heating up! Mwahahahaha

As always this will be cross posted to AO3.

*Header and dividers are made by me, please do not use!

Masterlist Part 1 Next->

Flip couldn’t help but watch the gentle rise and fall of your breathing a few times over the last hour while he waited. Sometimes his heart skipped a beat painfully when his mind told him it seemed like it was one second too long. The last and only time he ever saw you close to this was when he and Jimmy picked you up all those years ago, he was thankful it wasn’t as bad though. You had a pretty decent gash on the back of your head which got a few stitches, a bit of road rash on your left cheek, and a few scratches on your ankle.

He was glad that in his panic he had thought to bring a pair of clothes for you to change into. Flip felt a bit foolish now realizing it would be huge on you since it was his. The latter fact didn’t help him in itself either. Glancing at your little heels on the side table with your clothes he wished he had a pair of shoes for you, he thought briefly about stopping at your house but he wanted to get here as fast as possible.

His hand tightened on yours instinctively as the door creaked open. The light behind the nurse seemed almost too bright after sitting in the dim lighting for so long.

“I’m just coming in to take some vitals again.”

He nodded as he let go of your hand so he could scoot the chair back to its original position against the wall. The last thing Flip wanted to do was get in the way of your care. Twisting his hands nervously he watched her like a hawk, obviously she wouldn’t hurt you purposely but his brain told him there was a chance otherwise.

“All of your girlfriend’s vitals look good. I'll be back in a moment, I’m just going to get some things to change the bandage on her cheek and I’ll be right back.” His thoughts reeled for a moment as he watched her take off the tape and gauze. 

He sat up straighter before asking “My what?”

“The two cops said you were her partner?”

Clearing his throat he felt a bit of a flush having to correct the confused nurse. “They didn’t mean it like that, they uh… I’m also a cop.” He finished off weakly. Blushing at his age seemed to embarassing. Thirty-four was too old for these types of feelings.

Flip felt bad watching the nurse’s confusion morph to mortification. The two of them stared at each other awkwardly. “I am so sorry. I-I will be right back.”

He was kinda impressed with the speed she professionally fled from the room. Slouching down in the chair he tried to catch his bearings for a moment. Heat dusted his cheeks as the words finally caught up in his mind. ‘His girlfriend’. Maybe that phrase wouldn’t be too far off in the future? His mind wandered back to the conversation he had with Jimmy the Friday before he left. 

Smoke curled lazily into the air as the cigarette between his fingers continued to burn. The words on the report in front of him blurred more the longer he stared at them. How long had he been looking at the same page?

Flip’s mind kept going back to the fact you chose Johnson and the rookie. Well it was Johnson’s case but the rookie? Seriously? You used to always ask for him whenever the choice was your’s. He never cursed Johnson's partner so much in his career. Damn that bastard for going on vacation.

His train of thought was derailed by Jimmy leaning against his desk. “Hey man, you’ve looked a little out of it since lunch time. You want to grab a brewski and burger?”

“I don’t know…” He avoided his partner’s gaze as he took a heavy drag of his cigarette.

Jimmy nudged his arm gently before trying again. “I’ll pay?”

“You sure it wouldn't be too far past your bed time old man?” Flip jests.

“You whipper snappers have no respect for your elders.”

He couldn’t help the small chuckle at his partner’s ridiculous antics. Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad thing for them to get a few drinks and catch up. He took a final drag before stubbing out the cigarette.

“Let me finish this up and I’ll meet you over there?”

Jimmy clapped him on the back before straightening up. “I’ll see you there then.”

*****

Flip felt more relaxed than he had in a while. Coming to the dingy little dive bar was something they used to do to celebrate the little victories or after a hard day. The cheap beer warmed his blood as he and Jimmy took their time eating and talking. If he was lucky maybe he could even take someone home.

“Ohhh I know that look.” Jimmy teased while sitting back in his seat.

Flip snorted before retorting “I doubt you can even see that far.”

“That’s not-” His screwed up before giving up at Flip’s look “Maybe you’re not the clearest.”

“Just wear the damn glasses Jimmy.”

“They make me look old.” His partner sighed petulantly.

“They aren’t that bad, you’re being dramatic.”

“You sound just like my niece.” 

Flip stiffened at the mention of you without meaning to. He hated the way things have become but it was better this way, the boundaries between them were getting too thin. He was tiptoeing a line he shouldn’t have been.

“Hey, I know things have been… off lately-”

“Don’t start this again.” Flip groaned out.

“Just hear me out. She has to do that Intel with Johnson and Ron on Monday.” Jimmy paused for a brief moment before continuing after Flip motioned him on with his hand. “I just want to ask if you can watch after her, I know you won’t be there but -you know, you'll be closer then I will.”

Flip didn’t really have to think about it all that much. No matter what happened between the two of you, he would be there.

“I got her, you never have to worry about that.”

Jimmy let out a sigh of relief at the response. “Good. You know if you ever decide to settle down I’d be happy to have you as an in law.”

“Jimmy…” Flip said warningly.

“I won’t bother you too much, just know I mean it. I know you’d treat her right.”

Flip was caught off guard momentarily by how serious his partner was. It was rare that he wasn’t cracking a joke or even just wearing his signature smile.

“Are you being serious man?” Flip asked hesitantly, testing the waters as he took a swig from his room temp beer.

“Serious as a heart attack. I don’t trust anyone else the way I trust you.”

“Huh. You’d know we’d be boning then, right?” Flip knew that would turn him.

“Damn it, I don’t want to think about your pasty ass right now. I still have half my burger to eat.”

Flip felt a strange mixture of emotions as he watched his partner be more concerned about his appetite then what he said. Damn. He guessed he would have a lot to make up for then. There was always the chance that things weren’t reciprocated though, or that you were already interested in the rookie now.

“They’re just friends.”

“What-”

Jimmy shoots him a look before saying “I can see the steam coming out your ears.”

Word count: 1.5k

Main summary: Your uncle introduced you to his partner a few years ago when you moved to Colorado Springs and after a while you've been trying to stomp out the feelings that keep trying to pop up. The wheel of fate starts rolling faster and that task only seems to get harder since the training of rookie Ron Stallworth in your records room.

Notes: I forgot to out the mood board last time so it'll be at the bottom of this one!

As always this will be cross posted to AO3.

*Header and dividers are made by me, please do not use!

Masterlist Part 1 Next->

You stared out the window of the diner while waiting for your Uncle Jimmy. The smell of fresh coffee and breakfast foods wafted gently around you. Charlie’s always smelled so good, you often wished you could bottle it and make a candle. You’re sure nothing would compare to actually being here in person though.

“Would you like some more coffee hun?”

“Yes please.” You couldn’t help but breathe in at the comforting aroma of fresh coffee. “Thank you so much Betty!”

“Who are you meeting this time?”

You smiled softly at her and answered “Just Uncle Jimmy today.”

“How sweet! It’ll be a nice little breakfast date then. Did you want me to put in your regular orders?”

“That would be great, thanks. He shouldn’t be too long. Could I have you pour his cup?”

She nodded her head and filled his awaiting cup before making her way back to the kitchen. You watched her talk to Marco as she scribbled down the orders, not that he didn’t already know what you guys usually got as well. Uncle Jimmy and you were creatures of habits and it didn’t stop here.

You switch your gaze to the door after hearing the soft jingle of the bell. Waving a bit to get Jimmy’s attention you beckon him over once he’s seen you.

“Hey sweetpea!”

You stand to give him a hug once he made his way over to the table. 

“Your timing is great! Betty just put our order in right before you got here, filled a cup for you too.”

You nudge his coffee towards him as he settles into the red leather booth. He throws his jacket to the other side of the bench and fixes the sleeves of his old tan jumper. You recognize it as the one your parents sent from abroad on one of their many trips. Despite your father and Jimmy being brothers they couldn’t be more different.

“You ok there?”

“Yeah sorry, just thinking.” Pointing to his sweater you say “Your sweater made me think of them. Any idea where they are at currently? The last post card I got was a while ago from Greece.”

“I think they’re still there? Let’s not sour the mood though.”

You grunt but let it go. It’s not like you actually cared about how they were doing. You hadn’t spoken to them since you left home almost a decade ago, maybe even before that. The only communication between you was postcards whenever they reached their next destination.

“Are you excited about your hunting trip with Steve tomorrow?” You weren’t a fan of hunting personally but they were both horrible shots. They hadn’t caught anything in years. 

“I sure am. You know it’s coming up on 10 years since he retired? Time really does just fly by sometimes.”

“Oh wow, I can’t believe it’s been that long already. I thought for a bit you’d never accept a new partner.” 

Steve was one hell of a cop back in the day. He and Uncle Jimmy had been partners since before you were even born. You could still picture how he looked when you first met him as a little girl and sometimes you felt a bit of sorrow seeing how much older he looked now.

“Mmm, speaking of partners…”

You close your eyes for a moment and sigh. So that’s why he asked you out to breakfast.

“We’re fine.”

“It’s been over four months and you guys are still hardly speaking. What’s going on?” He asked softly.

You bristle instinctively at the question. “There’s nothing going on.”

Betty breaks the brief tension thankfully when she arrives with your orders. You take a hefty gulp of your coffee and relish the sting as it goes down. 

“Thank you.” 

“No problem Dearie. Hope you two enjoy.”

The two of you settle into an awkward silence after she dropped off the food. Maybe you guys could be silent and eat your food. You doused the pancakes in strawberry syrup but they still seemed bland, sitting heavy in your mouth as you chewed mindlessly. 

“Hey uh… I’m not trying to pry or twist your arm or anything. I don’t really know how to get out what I’m meaning to say.”

You push your pancakes around and avoid your Uncle’s gaze. He was the one you never wanted to disappoint, you couldn’t stomach the thought of it.

“Just say what you want point blank.”

He sighs before grabbing your unoccupied hand on the table and holding it gently. 

“If you have something going on with Flip-”

Your head shoots up as he starts “I don’t!”

“Just let me finish sweetpea, please.” He squeezes your hand gently before continuing. “I love you more than anything and I trust him with both of our lives. Flip is a good loyal man, he may be a bit too stubborn at times but so are you. I just want to say that if the two of you ever thought I wouldn’t be happy with it.. I’m sorry if I ever gave that impression.”

Your eyes started pricking with that uncomfortable feeling when you try to stave off tears. You hadn’t thought this was where he was going with this all but you guess you did tell him to go for it. The realization that Uncle Jimmy was basically giving you his blessing was somewhat cathartic. For years you thought it would be a sort of betrayal if you looked at Flip as anything other than his partner or your friend. Deep down you knew that friends didn’t look at each the way you did.

You clear your throat at the sudden emotional shift before starting the conversation. What were you supposed to even say?

“I never -we never, um. I don’t really know what to say about it.”

“You don’t have to, just know it’s a hundred percent ok with me.” Jimmy gives your hand another squeeze before letting go.

“I don’t think it would ever go that way but I… appreciate the sentiment.”

Unease flares in your stomach the more you think about it. If Flip had been interested then he would have made a move by now. Your mood shifts instantly at the thought. You felt silly for thinking that this meant anything would really change. Even if Jimmy gave the go ahead it didn’t mean that Flip would suddenly have feelings for you.

Pushing the plate away you grab a couple of bills from your wallet to cover both of your meals. Heat flares in your cheeks as you grab your jacket from the seat. 

Your uncle looks confused at your sudden change of mood. “Sweetie what’s up?”

“I uh, have to head out to run some errands.”

“Hey, please don’t go just yet.”

You kiss the top of his head before saying “I’ll see you when you get back, ok?”

“I didn’t mean to upset you-”

You wave him off as you zip up your jacket. It wasn’t his fault but you just couldn’t shake off these thoughts.

“No, you’re good. I just remembered I have some things I need to get done. Tell Steve hi for me.”

The hospital waiting room smelt of antiseptic and cheap leather. Ron hunched over the phone at the nurse’s counter while waiting for the call to connect. He wasn’t even sure if Flip would be awake right now since it was nearing three in the morning on a (now) Tuesday.

Ring ring

When the nurses asked him which emergency contact to call Ron had hesitated for a moment. He knew you may chew his head off the next time you were up but he also knew calling Flip was the best thing to do. If Jimmy was in town then he’d call him but the next best thing was his partner. That man was the only other person who knew you to that same level. 

Ring ring

Ron felt a mix of guilt and unease as the phone continued to ring. Flip had asked him to keep you safe and now you were laying in a damn hospital bed. 

Ring- 

He wasn’t sure if the detective had actually picked up or just taken the phone off the hook to stop it from ringing. A gruff voice cut through the silence before he could speak to check,

“Zimmerman, who is it?” His irritation was palpable through the line.

“It’s Ron-”

He could hear Flip rustling around momentarily. “What the fuck happened?” 

“They jumped her in the alleyway right before we got there.”

“Jesus- where is she now?” 

“We’re at the hospital near where it happened. You know which one that is?”

“I’ll be there in twenty. For her sake you need to be gone when I get there.”

With that simple but clear message Flip disconnected the line. Ron didn’t take the threat to heart as he knew how much the man cared for you, it was coming from a place of pain. He’d wait a few minutes with you again before joining Johnson at the office to file a report. Ron thanked the nurse before heading back to your room. You were his friend as well and he didn’t want you to be alone for long. If Flip didn’t kick his ass first then Lucinda just might.

************************************************************************

Word count: 1.4k

Main summary: Your uncle introduced you to his partner a few years ago when you moved to Colorado Springs and after a while you've been trying to stomp out the feelings that keep trying to pop up. The wheel of fate starts rolling faster and that task only seems to get harder since the training of rookie Ron Stallworth in your records room.

Notes: I'm so sorry it took so long to get this chapter out. Shortly after the last one my SIL attempted to take her life and things have just been too crazy. Things are getting back on track finally and I have a short week at work so I'm hoping to also pick back up the Hilda Hurricane series.

As always this will be cross posted to AO3.

*Header and dividers are made by me, please do not use!

Masterlist Part 1 Next->

You roll your shoulders and stare at your reflection in the mirror. They really needed to hire more female cops, some of these missions were annoying to do. Currently you were dressed in some short frilly dress that felt like it left little to the imagination. You had high praise for the woman that chose to be cigarette girls. Not many places still had them but the high end lounge downtown saw lots of bigwigs that were looking to expand their businesses to the more rural areas that were slowly getting built up. 

Adjusting the wire slightly through your clothes you give one final look over for your appearance. So far this night was shaping up to be a bust. No one fitting the man’s description even came through the doors, supposedly he came in quite often. You grab more of the smokes for your tray and head back out.

Everything hits you full force again as you open the back room door. Music blares instantly making your brain feel like it’s rattling around, the air is thick with all the smoke from the cigars and cigarettes. You were absolutely taking a shower when you got home, the reports were going to have to wait. 

“Over here sweetheart.”

You grin with fake coyness at the portly man who was sweating profusely. His suit jacket was ill fitting, a bit too small causing the buttons to strain and the holes to gap slightly. Was the suit even his? Maybe he was trying to impress the people he was with.

“Evening boys. What can I interest you in?”

“How ‘bout a piece of dat ass?” One of the other men at the table asks, earning a round of laughter from the table. His east coast accent causes you to tilt your head.

“You’re a long way from home hunny. Sorry, we don’t do that kinda thing here.” You tease playfully.

The one who beckoned you over waves him off. “Don’t mind him toots. We’re just a bit restless, waiting for a friend and all that. Buster, watch how you talk to the girls. Your motha would be ashamed.”

Could they be waiting on the same person you were? You didn’t have too much information on the man other than he was meeting people from the coastal side. They had assumed it was the west side since it was closer, maybe that was wrong though.

“Sorry doll -I mean ma’am.”

“It’s no problem. Hopefully you don’t have to wait too long?” You ask as you lean down to show off the variety of smokes.

You kept it light so it didn’t come off as prying, you didn’t need them to start clamming up now. The man hands a dollar for one of the premium cigars and grabs the one he wanted but declined the lighter. He had money or was wanting to show off, it could be either to his ‘friends’ or the mystery man. 

“He ain’t gonna show, Joe.” He leans in closer to the first guy to speak in a hushed manner “They were sayin’ the pigs got in tonight.”

You bristle before you could process what he said fully. Shit! The two eye you slightly, you hadn’t meant to react like that. You needed to think of something fast.

You fake a look of concern and lean forward a bit as well. “I heard some of the cops around here might be crooked. You lot should be careful not to drink and drive tonight -never know which ones are out.”

“Thanks for lookin’ out for us toots.” 

Mentally you give a sigh of relief that they bought that. They either had too much to drink or were just dimwitted. Maybe a combination of the two if you were lucky enough.

*****

Just shy of 2am the night was winding down as it neared the lounges' closing time. Whoever those men were waiting for never showed, much to the goons displeasure. By the end of the night they were restless, irritated, and under the influence -which was never a good combination. 

You let out a sigh as you placed the tray in the back room and stocked it before leaving. You decided to divey the tips you got during to the girls who actually worked here, it didn’t seem fair to keep them. The owner was going to hand them out at later points so it didn’t look suspicious. Afterall, to the rest of the workers you would be just a girl who decided this wasn’t the job for her.

Before grabbing your beige trench coat you run your hand down the arms. A long time ago it used to belong to your uncle. There were so many times as a kid you told him that you wanted it if he ever gave it away. When you came back to Colorado you needed a good jacket and he decided it was time to finally give it to you. You needed to talk to him again when he came back, you hated the way things ended.

“You leaving now?” The voice of one of the cigarette girls broke you out of your stupor.

You give her a small smile before nodding your head and saying “I am. Sorry if I was in your way, lost in thought for a moment.”

“No worries at all hun! I was just going to tell you if you were leaving out the alley way to be careful. Sometimes we’ll get weirdos hanging around back there.”

“I appreciate the heads up! My ride should be there waiting already.”

“That’s a relief to hear. I’ll see you next time we’re scheduled together!” 

You bid each other good-bye as you slipped your coats on and headed your separate ways. It was almost a bittersweet feeling. Sometimes you wished you had a normal job so you could actually bond with other women and do girly things together like gossip. You were thankful though that you had Lucinda, she’s been a wonderful friend. 

The brisk mid autumn air hits you the moment the door to the alley way is opened. Glancing around you can see that it’s empty. Your stomach churns uneasily, Johnson and Ron should have already been here. Where were they? You’re alarmed at the sound of voices coming around the bend from the street side. That girl did warn you beforehand about the alley's activities. Ducking behind the side of the large dumpster you realize you can hear a few of the men you suspected from earlier. 

“I told you he wasn’t going to show. Those white robed numb-nuts already don’t have any dignity.”

“Keep your damn voice down Leo.”

Peeking out you try to catch a glimpse of the group without being obvious. What did he mean by the white robes, could he mean the KKK? You hadn’t heard anything about them being here in Colorado Springs. Where the hell was the one named Buster?

“Sorry doll. Yer in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Before you could fully process what was happening a low thud fills your ears followed by a searing pain at the back of your skull. You’re sure from an outside perspective it probably looked almost comical the way you crumpled like a sack of potatoes. Your vision fades in and out as the ringing gets louder and louder by the second. What the hell had that bastard even hit you with?

“Buster! What the fuck are ya-”

“Poor girl-”

“Shit! The porkers musta seen us boss!”

“We need to - out the otha’ way!”

You fade in and out as you lay there face down helplessly on the dirty ground. Your cheek stings in the back of your thoughts and your body felt so heavy yet so light at the same time. How was that even possible? Nausea rolls over you like a tidal wave as you are turned onto your back suddenly. Was it actually fast or were you just processing it wrong? 

“She’s bleeding -we gotta”

“Get her to the-”

Pairing: Phillip 'Flip' Zimmerman X Reader(fem)

Word count: 1.9k

Main summary: Your uncle introduced you to his partner a few years ago when you moved to Colorado Springs and after a while you've been trying to stomp out the feelings that keep trying to pop up. The wheel of fate starts rolling faster and that task only seems to get harder since the training of rookie Ron Stallworth in your records room.

Chapter summary: Ron should probably be given a medal for the way he can fix any situation

Notes: It's a bit shorter than normal but it came out well I think. I decided to update that chapters so that it people will be able flow through it vs just having to go back to the masterlist over and over.

As always this will be cross posted to AO3.

*Header and dividers are made by me, please do not use!

Masterlist Part 1 Next->

“I thought everything was going good with Luce’s coworker?” Ron asks as he slides into the sticky bar booth opposite of you. Already grabbing the beer you pre ordered him along with your second drink, you knew he’d be late anyway.

You groan at his immediate question and your shoulders slump involuntarily. All you wanted to do was hang out and get drunk right now. You couldn’t fault Ron for his older brother mode though.

“I thought things were! It all seemed to be going really well over the last few weeks and then out of left field he did a 180!”

“What a jive turkey.”

You snort before continuing on. “We were sitting down at that little sandwich for dinner yesterday. Literally in the middle of a conversation, all of a sudden he tells me he can’t be with a woman who thinks they're smarter than a man! Can you believe that?” You take a hearty swig of your old fashion after you finish.

“You’re fucking with me right?” He looks at you incredulously, eyebrows almost to his hairline.

“I wish I was, dude. I’m not saying I’m heart broken or anything, but definitely bummed. It really seemed like it was going well.”

You didn’t want to avoid putting yourself out there just because of this one negative experience. Would this be something you’d have to deal with going forward? Dumbing yourself down for a man was never going to be something you’d be willing to do again. Maybe you should shift your focus to people like college professors? You did like older men anyway. 

“What’s got you making a face like you just smelled trash?”

“I was thinking I should look at smarter men like professors. But what if they were a weirdo and it was some fetish of theirs? When is Lucinda coming again?”

Ron hums as he takes a sip of his beer and looks at his watch. “She should be here pretty soon. You’d go for an old man though?”

You nod your head at the first part. “Not some geezer but I don’t mind an age gap, I’m not a kid afterall.”

“Huh, that explains a bit actually.” Ron strokes his chin thoughtfully.

“What does that mean?” You whine, already tipsy.

“Well, Flip has a good bit on you but it’s never been a negative when you list why you wouldn’t date him.”

You can’t help but grunt at his point. “His age has never bothered me, we’re only eight years apart. Besides, I’ve decided to… move on. There’s no point in staying in this cycle and keeping myself single for no real reason.”

He nods and grabs your now empty glass. “I’m gonna get us some more drinks and order for Luce. You want another old fashion?”

“Yes please!”

You watch him walk about halfway before hearing your name being called from behind, a smile instantly hitting your face as you recognize Lucinda’s voice.

“Is this seat taken?” She leans her arm on the booth so she can talk to you. “I saw some goofball bothering you, looked like a real strange one.” 

The two of you are already laughing by the time she finished the sentence. You stand to give her a quick hug as you chat for a bit before she runs to the restroom real quick. You swear you catch a glimpse of flannel in the crowd but get distracted when Ron returns. You wouldn’t think about him, tonight was just about enjoying time with your friends.

Flip hadn’t slept a wink that weekend. The image of you standing in the bar waiting for the rookie to come back wearing one of his favorite dresses was burned behind his eyelids. The pale yellow often reminded him of the soft rays of morning sun, like his own little ray of sunshine. It was off the shoulders which gave a clear view of some of the skin normally hidden away. You usually even wore your hair up in some sort of style to go with it. highlighting the features. The fabric was light enough that it flowed with your movements, almost like the air moved with you. It was wasted on the rookie. 

His plan was to get drunk, go home with some rando, and sneak out in the morning. He’d rather go home but Winston hardly let any woman that wasn’t you or family come through. Flip’s plan had been dashed the moment he ran into the rookie at the bar and saw you waiting talking with some other patron. The warm buzz he had felt strumming through his veins instantly turned icy at rookie saying he was there with you. There was no way he was planning to stay at the bar and watch the two of you make googoo eyes at each other. He’d just come back Sunday night.

But he didn’t. Instead he just drank the rest of the weekend away.

Flip ultimately was glad that the newbie's desk was behind him so he didn’t have to see him and could pretend they didn’t exist. Was he being ridiculous? Maybe. A small part of him knew he didn’t have the right to be upset in any capacity but here he was anyway. The feeling gnawed at the back of his brain all of yesterday, no matter how much he drank. He definitely should have known better than to drink so much when he had work the next day, he was getting too old for this shit.

“You look like shit man, drink this.” He mutters a thanks as Jimmy places the water bottle and Tylenol on his desk. He’d been ignoring his partner's questioning looks all morning, he knew Flip well enough to know he was hung over. 

“Hey Ron, you’ll have to thank your sister again for staying the night with my niece. It’s good to know you guys are taking care of her.”

“I don’t know if you should be thanking us honestly. Those two kept drinking after I dropped them off from the bar, singing Tequila by Champs and all.” The rookie says with a chuckle. “Have you ever played pool against her?”

“I don’t think anyone stands a chance against her.” Jimmy boasts.

“We’ve probably all lost money against her!” Johnson gruffs from his desk.

Flip sits up a bit straighter at the earlier part, the rookie’s sister was there? He hazily remembers the woman you had been talking to at the table when they were at the bar counter. He wasn’t really paying attention to her before but realized that it was the lady he met at the dinner before.

Before he could stop himself he turned to ask “Why the hell would you bring your sister to date?”

The newbie freezes with a fork halfway to his mouth and stares blankly for a moment. Jimmy starts choking somewhere behind them.

“What?” He says.

“What do you mean ‘what’?” Flip annoyed.

“No one was on a date, man.” He sets the utensil down and looks at Flip seriously. “My sister and I took her out to cheer her up.”

Jimmy sits at the edge of his desk and chimes in “The guy she was going out with recently turned out to be a real douche canoe.”

The younger man looks a bit sheepish. “Lucinda set them up so we wanted to take her out to make up for it. Especially after how he ended it.”

“You can’t be too hard on yourselves. You guys had no way of knowing what he was actually like,” Jimmy assures him “Though it did throw me for a loop what he said.” 

Flip hesitates before asking, “What did he tell her?” 

“That he didn’t want to be with a woman who thought they were smarter than a man.” He cringes as he repeats what you told him. “Apparently he just said it in the middle of them eating out.”

Flip and Johnson make similar noises of disgusts. Why the hell would you tell a lady that? You were smarter than most people to be honest but it never once bothered Flip. Even Briggs, as pompous as he was, listened to what you had to say. 

“She was in good spirits about everything. Said she was still going to get out there and try dating more.”

He freezes at the statement and thinks for a moment, you were still planning to try and date? He had been almost pleased thinking that you’d wait a little while before trying again. That was horrible to hope for though.

“I keep saying someone is going to snatch her up if you don’t make a move Zimmerman!”

****

“You’re always on that bullshit Johnson.” Flip snarls at the portly man as he shoves away from his desk to stalk out the door. Ron watches the angry tree sized man slam the door shut as he exists. 

Jimmy leans closer to him before saying “They’re pretty oblivious huh?”

“What do you mean?” Ron questions to test the waters.

“Take a walk with me Rookie.” Jimmy nods towards the door before heading out, not even  waiting for an actual response. They walk in silence to the back courtyard, once they are outside  Jimmy sits by the fountain and pats next to him. 

“I won’t beat around the bush here. You’re a really smart man so I’m sure you’ve already pieced together most of it between my niece and Flip, or at the least the weird change that’s been going on the last three-ish months.”

He hesitates for a second. “Yes sir.”

“I won’t ask you to betray her trust or anything. I know she’s a private person so I won’t really pry, sometimes I just don’t know what she’s thinking.”

He nods at the older detective's words, carefully selecting his own words. “You know, sometimes they say there’s nothing that can shake the bond two partners have.”

“I suppose so?” Jimmy is clearly thrown off by the sudden change but doesn’t stop him.

“I’ve heard of things coming between them though. Whether it's money or even a woman.”  He takes care to obviously stress the latter.

“Flip and I would never share a woman, it’s too big of a gap thankfully.”

Ron shrugs lightly. “But isn’t there already a woman you guys both share?” 

He watches the confusion fade away to understanding after a few moments. Flip and Jimmy were sharing your attention, just in different capacities.

“Your niece is incredibly loyal, it was one of the first things I noticed about her. She also has a very strong set of boundaries she’s set for herself. I doubt they would never do anything they think would betray your trust or hurt you. You mean a lot to both of them. Maybe you need to be clear with them on where your own boundaries stand Jimmy. Really serious though, no joking around. You picking up what I’m putting down?”

Jimmy nods and pats his shoulder. “I think I can dig it man. Looks like I need to have a sit down with both of them. Not at the same time though.”

“Absolutely not at the time.” He chuckles along with the older man. “And not at the sandwich shop.”

The two of the sit in a comfortable silence, neither of them in a rush to move. Ron hoped that Jimmy really did understand what he meant. The three of them were so close a few months ago, before your car broke down and it set everything off. If he was a betting man, and he was a sucker for it, he’d wager that Flip was having the same dilemma you were.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Here is the dress I was picturing, again you guys can imagine whatever though. I like to stay as time accurate as possible

Pairing: Phillip 'Flip' Zimmerman X Reader(fem)

Word count: 2.5k

Main summary: Your uncle introduced you to his partner a few years ago when you moved to Colorado Springs and after a while you've been trying to stomp out the feelings that keep trying to pop up. The wheel of fate starts rolling faster and that task only seems to get harder since the training of rookie Ron Stallworth in your records room.

Chapter summary: We are continuing right after chapter 8 and getting a bit of Flip POV

Notes: Y'all I'm so sorry, I thought I had uploaded this Monday like I normally do. I was so excited to have 4 weekdays off but family drama ensues so I only got halfway on chapter 10 :/

As always this will be cross posted to AO3.

*Header and dividers are made by me, please do not use!

Masterlist Part 1 Next->

All in all you would consider your part of the mission went pretty smoothly. No one really caused issues with you while you ran the ticket booth. There were a few teenagers that tried to get in and one man that initially refused to show you identification but eventually relented. He had called you a slur but his friend was quick to apologize, not that you even took offense. 

It was pretty entertaining to see Ron fumble the pretty girl he was talking to at some point. You could barely make out what they were saying but the walk of shame to the back was pretty obvious. He even told you to shut up when you were trying not to laugh at him in line! 

If he came back to recs after this you couldn’t wait to talk to him about it. You hoped this could start him in the direction of getting out into the field like he wanted. You really did want him to but you’d also miss having someone in there with you. You didn’t need help at your job but you liked the company. It would feel off having Ron gone after having him there for almost four months. Hopefully Lucinda would still stick around you.

The line was finally dwindling since it was nearing the start time, the last few stragglers were filtering in.

“Have a good night sir.” 

You let out a deep exhale as the last person enters through the double door. Exiting the booth you walk through the single door that leads directly to the back room. You make quick work of changing back, you desperately wanted to be back in your warm clothes. The standard black polo did little to shield you from the chill of the night air. The breeze made you wish you were back home and not having to help with this damn mission. 

About a half hour in the dull throb set in behind your eyes, by the hour mark the lights were starting to make you squint. At the end, about two hours, you were trying your best to not sway. 

You place your badge in your back pocket along with the wrapped up wire in the other and fold the polo up. Heading down the hall from the locker rooms you knock on the manager's open door, he looks up from his desk before coming to stand next in front of it before you. 

“Are you all done up front with what the police needed?” The department hadn't divulged that someone was inside.

“Yeah… we’re all done.”

“You know they are lucky a civilian like you is brave enough to help them.” You try not to let the confusion show on your face.

He looks like an idiot nodding at his own words. You just give him an awkward half smile in response. What were you even supposed to say to that?

“Tell me this little lady. Do they ask help from normal people often, is there a program you can sign up for? I’d love to get into it.” You scrunch your face at his ignorance. 

A small knock at the door makes you to turn around. Jess the teenage girl stands in the frame. She was sweet when you met her earlier for the uniform shirt. The teenager was surprisingly tall for her age and a bit awkward. She was beautiful already and you were sure once she came into herself more she’d gain some confidence. Jess was probably here for her polo and vest back.

“Oh, hi Officer Creek.” She says with a small shy wave.

“Don’t worry Jess, she’s not an officer, she’s just a civilian like us!” He gives a loud and fake laugh.

“You’re loud and wrong.” You pull your badge out of your back pocket to show him. “It is Officer Creek. We at CSPD are thankful for your cooperation tonight.” You give him a blank look as you say thanks, turning to Jess you give her a fond smile. “Thank you for lending me your uniform tonight hun.” Handing them back to her you squeeze her shoulder softly.

The moment you open the front door you are greeted by a rush of cold air causing you to shiver. You had gotten used to the warmer temperature in the theater for that brief moment you were in there, you hurry your pace to get to the car. The cold always seems to make your head hurt worse. 

“Hey sugar pea! You did great.” Jimmy greets you loudly causing you to wince unintentionally.

“Thanks.” You smile at him as you slide into the back seat.

The warmer air of the cab felt like a relief after being cold outside again. You sink into the leather with a soft sigh. Your head was pounding and you felt a bit nauseous. The feeling of a plastic bag gently knocking into your knee makes you sit up confused. Flip was staring at you with a look of mild concern as he held the bag back to you. 

You murmur a thank you and take the bag from him, a grunt is your only response. In the bag was Tylenol, a bottle of ginger ale, and a sleeve of saltines. A flush of heat rushes to your cheeks when you see your normal migraine supplies that Flip had given you. He was being so cold these last three months that this was a bit of a surprise. You were touched none the less though. Grabbing the notebook and pen on the seat next to you you set to writing down the information from the ids. Glancing up after a while you catch sight of Flip’s reflection in the window and still as you realize it. The reflection. That’s how he knew when you were done. Your breath hitches as you and Flip makes eye contact for a split second, you force your eyes back to the paper. God dammit all.

Flip can’t help but still be ticked off as he makes his way back from the equipment room. Why the hell were you here with the rookie? From the looks of it Jimmy didn’t know that his niece was going to be here either. He was not looking forward to having to work on this intel case with you. He had been trying his best to keep his distance and remain professional. It felt strange watching you get the furthest away you’ve ever been. This was how it needed to be though, it was for the best.

“A date? When?” 

The rookie’s question halts him in his spot by the door. You were seriously asking him on a date? A cold feeling crawls down his spine and forms a pit in his stomach as he listens in.

“Next Friday.”

Fuck this, he wasn’t going to just stand here and listen to this crap.

“I can dig it.”

“Hey man!” He doesn’t even register that Jimmy had stopped next to him.

Flip shoves the door open before he realizes what he was doing. He needed to get it together. This was his job. He takes in the sight of you leaning on the table with your head in one arm facing towards the rookie. When the hell did you become so close with him?

“Uncle Jimmy, Zimmerman. Are we all set?” Hearing you address him using his last name like you do with most people makes his eye twitch involuntarily. 

Jimmy eye him as he sets down the papers and asks you “You didn’t have any idea you were getting dragged into this did you?”

You shake your head before answering “None whatsoever. This morning I was told to bring Ron down and that was it, had no clue I was staying until right then. I actually assumed Narcs were on the case since I was taking him there.”

The next few hours passed by somewhat fast for Flip. Even after these last few months apart you fall into an easy rhythm, albeit somewhat awkward at times. Running to the diner for lunch provided a much needed breath of fresh air. The scent of your perfume, the closeness of you, the fleeting looks, seeing you wear his old flannel -it was all doing his head in.

“Hun, you’ll have to head over earlier with us to meet up with the manager at Bell’s and get set up. Once you're done just find your way over to us again. Ron you’ll meet us over there once it’s closer to time, don’t fuck up the mic between then.” Jimmy explains the last leg of the plan to the two of you. 

Flip listens from the edge of the table while setting up the microphones. He hated that he had to work the two of you today, Chief Briggs had obviously neglected to say you’d be here on purpose. That bastard was getting on his nerves.

“You’re up Rookie.” 

He motions for the man to stand in front of him. Flip couldn’t help but look at you in the reflection as the Rookie pulled his shirt up. A spark of sick pleasure twists in his chest when he sees you were looking at Jimmy, you couldn't even care less.

Ron sighs before asking “Any chance this thing fucks up?”

“Ohhh, fuck yeah.” Flip responds. He couldn’t count the amount of times these shits didn’t work.

“Then what?”

Jimmy answered this time. “Just stick to the game plan.”

“Which is?” He turns to look at Jimmy.

“Uh… improvise.” Flip says as he sticks more tape down the wire line. “Like Jazz.”

“Like bebop.” 

Jimmy starts mimicking his music choice which makes you chuckle. His jaw clenches in irritation. First the man worms his way into your good graces and now his partners too?

“This isn’t some big bust. We just want some intel. That’s it.”

Jimmy asks “And what if someone offers you a marijuana cigarette?”

“You mean a joint?” Ron asks.

“Yeah, Mary Jane.” Jimmy tries mimicking taking a hit but ends up choking a bit. “Excuse me.”

He sighs at his partner's ridiculousness.

Ron puts his hands in his pockets and stares at Jimmy. “Soul brother, I’m already high on life. Can you dig it?”

That causes you and Jimmy to laugh. What was so special about the Rookie? Flip can hear the ticking of teeth as he clenches his teeth so tightly this time, his jaw is starting to hurt.

“And if someone pulls a gun on you?”

Ron shifts uneasily at Flip’s question. “Will that happen?”

He shoves his finger gun in response. “Barrel of a .45 in your face, finger on the trigger. Now what?”

Irritation flares as he hears you object and walk towards them. He sees you stand next to your uncle and exchange glances. 

“Blood, get that gun out of my face. Peace, love, and soul.” Ron holds his hands up while keeping eye contact with Flip.

“Gun is still in your face.”

“I de-escalate… talk calmly, firmly. Find a way out of there ASAP.” He shoots you and Jimmy a searching look.

Flip realizes he needs to work the Rookie and not against for the moment “Relax. We’ll be outside listening in, Creek will be right there at the booth in the beginning. Okay?”

“Got it.” Ron lifts his shirt to check the mic again real quick. “Ok, I got it. I’m gone.”

"I like him.” Flip stares in annoyance as Jimmy praises the Rookie.

“He’s a good guy, Uncle Jimmy. He’ll do great tonight." 

He claps you on the back before asking, “I’m going to get these in the car and warm it up while you get mic’d up. Need anything for the road?”

“Not that I can think of.” You answered your uncle.

He nods and takes the equipment with him. Flip watches you square your shoulders before facing him, the action causes him to snort. Jimmy you rotten bastard.

“You ready to set me up?” He nods in response, motioning you just like he did before 

“I don’t have an undershirt so it’ll just have to be above and I’ll wear my flannel until I get there to grab the uniform.” 

He nods again and he can sense your getting annoyed with him. He secures the microphone to your chest first before tearing off more for the wires. The two of you were adults. You should be able to talk about what happened, but how the hell was he supposed to say sorry for lusting after you?

Kshhh

His head whips to you at the sound. The two of you look at each other in confusion for a moment before either of you say anything.

“Did you not stick it down enough?” You asked.

“It’s fucking tape, it’s one purpose is to stick.”

You roll your eyes at him as you attempt to stick it back on the velvet.

Kshhh

The two of you stare at each other again in stunned silence.

“Uh… maybe the mic is heavier than the other one?” You ask uncertainly.

Flip tries again with more tape this time. What the fuck was happening? His brows furrow as he waits to see what will happen this time. Unfortunately it hardly takes anytime for the same thing to happen again.

“What the hell is your shirt made of?”

"Velvet?" You sigh at him and pinch the bridge of your nose. “I think we’ll just have to tape it directly to the skin this time. If you get the mic set I’ll run the wire down and tape that part myself.”

He grunt and turns away as you pull the collar down to expose some of your chest. Flip hated the brief satisfaction he felt about getting to touch your skin, the feelings turned sour quickly. This was the shit he needed to avoid. He holds the mic down while tearing more tape,  smoothing the tape down he decides to place extra just in case. You grab the bundle of wires from him when he holds them out.

“Can you turn around please?” His stomach rolls at your sweet tone.

“Sure.”

He moves to stand by the door, briefly he sees you in the reflection in the two way window. Wait, reflection? Flip is suddenly struck still at the sight of you with your shirt tucked under your chin. He knew he should look away but he was simply too entrance. A lacey bra and the expanse of your torso was all on display. His eyes tracked your movements as you taped down the wire along your stomach. With the last tape secured you let your shirt down from under your chin and smooth it back down, the sigh you let out kick started his brain. He tears himself away and launches to the door. He needed to get out of this small little room. It smelt too much like you.

“Flip, I could have been exposed!” 

“You were fine. Let’s get a move on, we have to get you to the theater soon.” He stiffens upon realizing he could have just given himself away.

“Give me a second to check my appearance.” 

Flip swallows harshly and watches you with bated breath, waiting to see if you’d realize what a bastard he’d just been. Once you had deemed whatever was fine you wandered past him towards the parking lot. His mother would’ve his head if she knew he’d been watching like a pervert.

******************************************************************

Pairing: Phillip 'Flip' Zimmerman X Reader(fem)

Word count: 2.8k

Main summary: Your uncle introduced you to his partner a few years ago when you moved to Colorado Springs and after a while you've been trying to stomp out the feelings that keep trying to pop up. The wheel of fate starts rolling faster and that task only seems to get harder since the training of rookie Ron Stallworth in your records room.

Chapter summary: A normal lunch with your uncle turns awkward when he tries to get into the problem with you and Flip. You're also presented with the opportunity to suggest Ron for field work.

Notes: I have a few days of work coming up and can't wait to writeeee

As always this will be cross posted to AO3.

*Header and dividers are made by me, please do not use!

Masterlist Part 1 Next->

Ring Ring

You’re roused harshly from your sleep by the sound of your phone ringing from the night stand beside your bed. You blink blurrily at the clock trying to gather your bearings. Who the hell is calling at 7:34 in the morning on a damn Saturday?

Ring-

“Hello?” You ask groggily.

“Creek, it’s Briggs. I’ve thought about what you said.”

You sit up quickly and throw your blanket to the side. “Oh?”

“You’re going to meet Ron out front of the station and bring him to Narcotics at 12pm. Understood?”

“Yes sir!”

“And wear street clothes.” He hangs up after adding that tidbit.

A mixture of excitement and nervousness flooded your veins, this was really happening. You hoped to whatever higher power that he didn’t fuck this up. Deciding there wasn’t really any point in trying to go back to sleep you get ready for the day. 

Padding over to your dresser you pull out a simple pair of denim bell bottoms and a plain white velvet shirt to tuck into your pants. It’s supposed to be a bit cooler today, should you bring a jacket? Heading over to the closet you filter through your light sweaters, cardigans, and shawls. Your fingers stop on the old flannel that Flip had given you along with the looney tunes shirt. The dark green and black fabric slid slowly between your fingers as you traced the sleeve. He hadn’t worn it too many times before giving it to you stating it just wasn’t his color preferences. If Narcotics was taking the case then it wouldn’t hurt to wear it. Not many people would be at the office on a Saturday anyway.

“You’re late Ron!” You hiss at him as you turn inside to walk toward the Narcotics room down below.

“I know, I know.” He pants following after you. “What department is on this?”

“I imagine Narcotics since we’re using that room?”

The two of you look like a pair of idiots speed walking through the station and turning corners like you're being chased. You’re glad you ended up wearing a comfortable pair of boots. Tugging the door open you motion rapidly for him to go.

“Down the stairs, it’ll be the first door on the left.” You grumble as he passes by.

You shake your head as Ron hustles down the stairs and goes through the door you directed. It wasn’t like it would make a difference if it took you a few extra seconds. You use the time to take a few deep breaths.

As you open you hear him apologizing to Chief Briggs, the former shooting you a brief disgruntled look. He points for you to stand next to Ron. Your uncle looks at you in confusion but Flip seems to not have noticed you’re here yet. Your eye twitches slightly when you realize Narcotics definitely weren't the ones taking the case. You straighten the flannel sleeves and slip your hands into the front pockets of your jeans.

“We have limited time so I'll be quick. The black radical Stokely Carmichael is giving a speech tonight at Bell’s Nightingale.”

You see Ron look at you from the corner of your eye. Maybe it was racists afterall to suggest him? Hopefully he wasn’t too mad at you.

You turn towards him. “That’s the theater downtown.”

“Yeah.” He nods his head once at the clarification. 

You can see Flip’s head whip up and to your direction at the sound of your voice, he looks at your uncle in confusion and only gets a shrug in response. He must've taken this as the point to sit upright and be a bit more serious. Apparently we all were left in the dark in some ways, you still didn’t even know why you needed to be here. Briggs continues on with his briefing without missing a beat.

“Carmicheal is a former high muckety-muck with the black panthers. As far as I’m concerned. FMI Director J. Edgar Hoover was dead right when he said the Black Panthers are the greatest internal threat to the security of these United States.” He stands up to sit on the desk in front of the desk before you two. This Carmicheal joker, former panther or not, they say he is a damn good speaker. And so we don’t want this Carmicheal getting into the minds of the good black people here in Colorado Springs and stirring them up.”

Ron walks forward to the Chief but you decide to stay where you are.

“Ron, your assignment is to go to this speech tonight, infiltrate this bunch of subversives and just monitor the audience reaction to Carmicheal’s speech. You ready?” 

“Born ready.” Ron assured him

Briggs turned to address you. “You’re gonna be off Monday, I need your super brain.”

“Why-”

“You’re gonna be at the ticket counter selling the tickets and checking ids-”

You start to feel irritation creeping in as you cross your arms. This was not something you needed to be here for let alone miss Monday.

“What does she have to do with this?” Flip cuts him off skeptically.

Frowning you say “I’m afraid I’m not following along.”

“If you assholes let me finish-” That’s not really fair considering he did the same but you decide to bite your tongue. You make a show of zipping your mouth and hold up your hands . “I need you to make sure that no one under eighteen gets in and I want you to write down everyone who gets in and their information. Name, date of birth, and address.”

Realization dawns on you that this is probably going to be a massive migraine for you. Depending on how many people you have to do this for you will most likely need Monday off after all.

“Wouldn’t it be suspicious if she’s copying all their info down?” Ron asks, confused.

Uncle Jimmy makes his way over to the three of you. “She just has to see it once to remember it.”

“She can’t forget anything.” Flip chimes in still on the couch, he won’t even look at you.

“No shit?” Ron turns to you with a shocked expression. “That’s how you know all that random stuff.”

Flip scoffs in response to Ron’s question. He slowly stands and stretches before joining the group finally.

“She’s the smartest person I know.” Jimmy's chest puffs up with pride.

“Can we not right now?” You ask awkwardly.

“Come on, I-”

“Enough chit-chatting. You four need to go over the plan and then get mic’d up. Young Creek take the rookie over to interrogation room 2, Old Creek get whatever intel you need to go over, Flip get the wires sorted out.” Briggs makes a shooing motion with his hands after the four of you make various agreements.

Jimmy heads out the door first with Ron following, Flip behind him, and you at the end. Your breath catches slightly as Flip stops to hold the door open for you. The thought of how things used to be stirs up a strange anger deep in your chest. Mumbling a thanks you can’t help but catch his eye as you pass him. 

Once you are all heading in the different directions Ron breaks the silence.

“So, old Creek? Am I finally getting to meet the family?”

The silliness of the question causes a short laugh to bubble up. Leave it to Ron to break the tension.

“You are indeed! 'Our Creek' is my Uncle Jimmy.” You beam happily.

“So that means the other one is the infamous partner? Luce did describe him as “a mountain of a man’.” He rubs his chin in fake thought.

You sigh as you tugs the door open for the interrogation room, the two of you make your way inside. You don’t bother to close the door all the way since they’ll be back soon. It looks like they had pre-set up the room. Normally it only had one or two chairs on the officer side but there were four. You could only assume they thought Briggs would be here with them instead of you.

“I walked right into that didn’t I?” You ask as you take a seat next to him

“I’m afraid so.”

“You two are going to be the death of me I swear.”

You place your elbow on the table and rest your head in your hand. You can’t fault her for wanting to get gossip from her brother but sometimes you wished they would relax.

“It doesn’t matter. I -uh, took some of Lucinda’s advice actually.” You shift awkwardly in the seat. You continue when Ron gives you a look to continue. “I have a date coming up with someone from her work.”

“A date? When?”

“Next Friday.”

“I can dig it. Are-” 

The door slams open causing Ron to do a quick 180. You already knew Flip was brewing into a temper tantrum from his earlier actions. It’s not like you were expecting to be here today though.

You hadn’t been expecting Jimmy yet but were surprised to see him trail in behind the pissy Flip. You don’t bother to move your head from its resting position as you address them.

“Uncle Jimmy, Zimmerman. Are we all set?”

Jimmy sets down the papers and asks “You didn’t have any idea you were getting dragged into this did you?”

“None whatsoever. This morning I was told to bring Ron down and that was it, had no clue I was staying until right then. I actually assumed Narcs were on the case since I was taking him there.”

The four of you spend the next few hours going over all the intel and the plan of action for the night ahead. At some you call into Charlie’s so Flip can run over but most of it is spent in that little interrogation room. 

“Hun, you’ll have to head over earlier with us to meet up with the manager at Bell’s and get set up. Once you're done just find your way over to us again. Ron you’ll meet us over there once it’s closer to time, don’t fuck up the mic between then.” Jimmy explains the last leg of the plan.

Flip is off to the side setting up and you realize that there are actually two. You had assumed it was just Ron getting one. You didn’t really see the point in having to wear one yourself but if that’s what the chief wanted you’d just have to do it. You just stay seated until it’s your turn.

“You’re up Rookie.” 

Flip motions him to stand in front of him. It was a bit amusing to see him sitting so that he could reach Ron better. Ron pulls up his top shirt to expose his undershirt for the microphone.

He sighs before asking “Any chance this thing fucks up?”

You grimace at the question.

“Ohhh, fuck yeah.” Flip responds.

“Then what?”

Jimmy answered this time. “Just stick to the game plan.”

“Which is?”

“Uh… improvise.” Flip says as he sticks more tape down the wire line. “Like Jazz.”

“Like bebop.” Jimmy starts mimicking his music choice which makes you chuckle. 

“This isn’t some big bust. We just want some intel. That’s it.”

Jimmy asks “And what if someone offers you a marijuana cigarette?”

The random question has you pulling a face and mouthing a 'what' to him.

“You mean a joint?” Ron asks.

“Yeah, Mary Jane.” Your uncle tries mimicking taking a hit but ends up choking a bit. “Excuse me.”

Ron puts his hands in his pockets and stares at Jimmy. “Soul brother, I’m already high on life. Can you dig it?”

That causes you and Jimmy to laugh. Your worry about the mission eases just a little. You watch Flip’s face contort with annoyance as the two talk a bit more.

“And if someone pulls a gun on you?”

Ron shifts uneasily at Flip’s question. “Will that happen?”

He shoves his finger gun in his face calmly. “Barrel of a .45 in your face, finger on the trigger. Now what?”

“Hey!” You stand up from your chair quickly and make your way over.

“Blood, get that gun out of my face. Peace, love, and soul.” Ron holds his hands up while keeping eye contact with Flip.

You and Jimmy eye each other uneasily at the little show. 

“Gun is still in your face.”

You're glad Ron doesn’t back down from this. “I de-escalate… talk calmly, firmly. Find a way out of there ASAP.” He shoots you and Jimmy a searching look.

Flip seems satisfied with his responses for now. “Relax. We’ll be outside listening in, Creek will be right there at the booth in the beginning. Okay?”

“Got it.” Ron lifts his shirt to check the mic again real quick. “Ok, I got it. I’m gone.”

The three of you watch him make his way out the door quickly. You sigh and rub the back of your neck.

Jimmy turns to you happily saying "I like him.”

“He’s a good guy, Uncle Jimmy. He’ll do great tonight." 

He claps you on the back. “I’m going to get these in the car and warm it up while you get mic’d up. Need anything for the road?”

You're tempted to ask him to not leave you two alone but swallow the sudden panic.

“Not that I can think of.”

He nods and takes the equipment with him. You roll your shoulders and decide to face the music and get this over with.

Sighing, you ask “You ready to set me up?” 

He nods in response, motioning you just like he did with Ron. 

“I don’t have an undershirt so it’ll just have to be above and I’ll wear my flannel until I get there to grab the uniform.”

He nods again which starts to piss you off. What a fucking child. He secures the microphone to your chest first before tearing off more for the wires. You hate that you watch his large lands as he works.

Kshhh

You barely manage to catch the mic after it detached from your shirt. The two of you look at each other in confusion for a moment before either of you say anything.

“Did you not stick it down enough?”

“It’s fucking tape, it’s one purpose is to stick.”

You roll your eyes at him as you attempt to stick it back on the velvet.

Kshhh

The two of you stare at each other again in stunned silence. What the hell was happening?

“Uh… maybe the mic is heavier than the other one?” You ask uncertainly.

Flip tries again with more tape this time. His brows furrow as he waits to see what will happen this time. Unfortunately it hardly takes anytime for the same thing to happen again.

“What the hell is your shirt made of?”

"Velvet?" You sigh and pinch the bridge of your nose. “I think we’ll just have to tape it directly to the skin this time. If you get the mic set I’ll run the wire down and tape that part myself.”

He grunt and turns away as you pull the collar down to expose some of your chest. You look away in embarrassment as he does it this time. His warm hands are steady as he holds the mic down while tearing more tape. You swallow hard as he smooths the tape down, he placed extra just in case. You hate that the feel of him touching your bare skin will be engrained into your memory now. Sometimes you really wished you had a normal brain. You grab the bundle of wires from him when he holds them out.

“Can you turn around please?” You didn’t mean for it to come out so shyly.

“Sure.”

You watch as Flip gets up to stand next to the door. With him facing away you tug your shirt from your jeans so you can put the wire down. You wish you could keep it tucked in but that won’t work with needing to be wired, you're a bit annoyed that you couldn’t prepare better for this mission. With the last tape secured you let your shirt down from under your chin and smooth it back down and exhale deeply. It was a bit uncomfortable but it’d have to do. The moment you're done Flip is already heading to the door to hold it open.

“Flip, I could have been exposed!” You say startled at the suddenness, you almost dropped the recorder accidentally. Thankfully you don’t and are able to put it in your back pocket.

“You were fine. Let’s get a move on, we have to get you to the theater soon.”

You scoff in irritation at his words. How would he know you were fine? You could have still had your shirt up and been exposed to anyone who meandered by. You throw your flannel over your shoulder quickly.

“Give me a second to check my appearance.” 

You walk over to where Flip was to look at and use the two sided window. Once you deem that your shirt doesn’t give away the hidden microphone you head outside with him.

Time to get this over with.

**************************************************************************

This is kinda what I picture but I left it a bit non descript so everyone can imagine their own variation of it.

Pairing: Phillip 'Flip' Zimmerman X Reader(fem)

Word count: 2.1k

Main summary: Your uncle introduced you to his partner a few years ago when you moved to Colorado Springs and after a while you've been trying to stomp out the feelings that keep trying to pop up. The wheel of fate starts rolling faster and that task only seems to get harder since the training of rookie Ron Stallworth in your records room.

Chapter summary: A normal lunch with your uncle turns awkward when he tries to get into the problem with you and Flip. You're also presented with the opportunity to suggest Ron for field work.

Notes: I have been in Flow state and writing like crazy! I have a few chapters done so thankfully next time I can't write much in a week I'll have ones ready. I also fixed the Summary since it'd didn't quite fit anymore.

As always this will be cross posted to AO3.

*Header and dividers are made by me, please do not use!

Masterlist Part 1 Next->

“Nuts do belong in baking!” Ron insists.

“I’m telling you they absolutely do not Ron!”

Ring Ring Ring

The sound of the phone ringing cuts between the debate you and Ron had been having while pulling files this morning. 

“We are finishing this conversation!” You point your finger at him while walking over to the phone. 

Ring Ring-

“Records room, how can I help you?” You answer.

“It’s Briggs, Creek. I need you to bring me some files. You got a pen?”

Chief Briggs was never one for niceties, always straight to the point. Honestly he was the main reason you kept a pencil and notepad right by the phone.

“Go ahead sir.” Your hand flies over the paper while he rattles off which ones. 

“Think you can have them here by 1pm?” 

You double check the clock real quick before answering. It’s only 11:14am so you could probably get it done.

“Yeah I can do that.”

“Good, I’ll see you then.” He gruffs out before disconnecting.

“Who was that?” Ron inquired from the back area.

“It was Chief Briggs, he wanted me to drop off some files at 1pm. I’m just going to pull them now before our lunch because I have to drop by Investigations.” You explain as for head to the first box you need.

“Is everything still weird over there?” He asked non-chalantly.

Your head snaps up from the file box you were currently in. Your brows furrow instantly at his question without meaning to. Leaving the box open where it was you walk around the shelf to where he was sitting.

“What do you mean?” You ask suspiciously.

“Nothing at all.” 

You rub the spot between your brows in hopes to rid the forming wrinkles. You had an inkling of where this question was coming from but couldn’t help the sigh that left you.

“Does this have to do with Lucinda?” Your eyes narrow at him.

“Is she really that far off though?” He raises his bros back at you.

“Oh my god -I’m not having this conversation.”

“I’m just saying-”

“No.” You know it’s rude to cut people off but you did not want to deal with this. “I told her a few times over the last two months it’s not like that!” You chided with light frustration as you returned to your task.

At least every other time you guys hung out she asked how things were between you and Flip. Lucinda was convinced that something was there and she obviously was looping him into her conspiracy. To be fair it was just a sore subject at the moment. You and Flip were still on odd terms even after almost three months. It’s never really lasted this long before and you’re starting to think this may be the new normal. It’s a thought that makes your chest ache.

“Somedays your uncle should switch it up and come get his food instead of making you go there every time.” Ron says as an obvious subject change.

“It’s not so bad, it’s a nice change of scenery. Now it doesn’t really matter since I’ve been prepping for a few days at a time for him.” 

To add insult to injury you hadn’t been making lunches for Flip anymore at his request, not that he bothered to tell you himself. You can’t really blame him, it stung but you had been hiding in here most days of the week currently.

You check the clock once you have the last file and see that it is just about time for yours and Ron’s lunch break. You set the files down at the front desk and fill out the binder so the Chief just needs to check it and sign. You’d just take them with you so you could drop them off after, it even gave you an excuse to leave early.

“I was gonna head over to Charlie’s for lunch today, you wanna come with?”

“I appreciate the invite but I’ll stay here since I have to drop off the files.” You smile at him as he heads over to the door.

“Alright, peace out for now then.” He waves over his shoulder as he leaves for lunch.

Might as well get this over with.

“There she is!” Jimmy cheers when you walk in

“You’re only this excited because I have food.” You joke to him.

You feel like an idiot as your gaze automatically wanders to where Flip’s desk was. Part of you is relieved that it’s empty but the other part of you hates it. You used to be excited to see him but now if it’s not dread then it’s sorrow. Hadn’t he once promised that he would always be there?

“What are we having today?”

You pull the warmed up spaghetti containers out of your lunchbox and set them on his desk while you grab one of the empty chairs. It wasn’t often that they were all out of the office.

“Pasta is just what I need for a long day like this!” Jimmy grabs his marked one and pops the lid off quickly.

“Are you working on a tough case?”

“Not quite. There’s talk about Carmicheal coming here to Colorado Springs, there’s possibly a rally set up for Saturday night.”

“No shit? I haven’t even heard anything about it.”

“Yeah. No departments can get someone in though.”

His comment made you think. Maybe it could be an opportunity to get Ron in the field? Would it be racists to offer him up? It wasn’t like a white person could go into that type of scene. You decided you’d bring it up to Chief Briggs when you dropped off the files. Hopefully it wouldn’t be too short of a notice since it was already Thursday.

“Sweetheart? You ok?” Jimmy gently grabs your shoulder.

“I’m sorry, I was just lost in my head for a moment.”

He gives you a worried look before turning to face you fully. “What's been going on recently? You know you can talk to me right?”

You sigh and poke at your food a bit. What were you supposed to even say to him? Sorry Uncle Jimmy, your partner is avoiding me and it’s making me totally sad. Yeah right.

“I guess everything has just been super busy recently. I haven’t really had any time to relax.”

It wasn’t exactly a lie but you still feel bad about the partial truth. You had been helping out a few different departments including one cold case that was taking a chunk of your time. 

“It doesn’t have anything to do with the iceberg forming between you and Flip?”

“No?” You already know by the look on his face you’re not getting off the hook easily.

“That’s jive talk and we both know it. All of a sudden you two can’t stand to be in the same room as each other.”

You really hadn’t been expecting this type of ambush at lunch today. Is that why the room was cleared out? You look at the clock to see how long you needed to stall before you could leave. You curse mentally realizing it was only just past 12:40pm.

“Miss. Creek! Haven’t seen you in a little while.” 

You had never been more thankful for Johnson and his nosiness.

“Johnson, how are you?”

“I’m feeling glad I already ate before coming back here. Your food always smells so good! If the missus could cook like you I’d be even fatter than I already am!” He lets out a boisterous laugh as he gives his stomach a few pats.

“I’m gonna tell her that next time I see her.” You jokingly threaten.

“How long we got you for today?” 

You thank what ever higher power is on your side today for the perfect escape opportunity. Maybe you’d bake some cookies for Johnson for this. You make a show of looking at the clock and letting out a sigh.

“I actually need to head out so I can drop off some files off to the big boss.”

“Damn! What a shame kid.”

You hum and pack up your barely eaten lunch. Maybe you’d try to eat it when you got back to the records room, it wouldn’t bother you that it was lukewarm.

“We need to finish this conversation later, little lady.” Jimmy says sternly

“We will.”

We definitely wouldn’t if you could help it. You adjust the files in your arm and give him a quick kiss on the forehead.

“Don’t be a stranger!” Johnson calls out.

“I’ll try not to be.” You promise as you make your way out the door.

“Remember what I said!” Jimmy shouts to you.

You shoot him a thumbs up as the door starts to shut behind you. Once the door is shut you walk a little ways down the hall to take a breather. You lean against the wall and shiver at the coldness of it. This was not how you saw today going. Maybe it was time for you to start dating again? That could get everyone off your back. It’s not like you could wait in limbo forever anyway, at some point you had to move on.

“You ok?”

You close your eyes briefly at the situation. This could not be a worse moment for Flip to appear in front of you. He kept his distance a few feet away from you with his hands in his pockets.

“Hey, uh, fancy meeting you here.” You cringe at the awkwardness.

“Well, you are outside my office. Why are you just standing in the hallway?” It’s mostly flat with a small edge of concern.

You couldn’t even manage to keep eye contact with him for more than a second, it was almost pathetic. Kicking off the wall you square your shoulders and adjust the lunch box.

“Just stopped for a breather before heading to drop off some files.” You lift the files into the air slightly. “I’ll see you next time.”

“Right.” 

He makes no move to leave as you pass him by. Before you even realize it, his scent floods your nose. You hadn’t realized just how much you missed it as you fought the tears pricking your eyes. You definitely needed to start getting out there and moving on. Maybe you'd ask Lucinda to set up that date with her coworker after all.

Knock knock

“Come in.” You hear him answer through the door.

“Hi Chief!”

“You’re five minutes late, Creek.” He says tersely

You hum in response, you didn’t really have any other response for him. Truthfully you had to hide and wait in the bathroom until you got your emotions under control. You were so close to crying like a kid missing their favorite teddy bear. 

“Here are your files Sir, you just need to sign this.” He takes a quick look before writing his signature. “I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time?”

“Sure, take a seat.” 

He gestured to the empty chairs in front of his desk. Chief Briggs clears his throat before clasping his hands in front of him.

“I’m not trying to overstep but Jimmy was telling me the station was looking for someone to attend the Carmichael rally?”

He looks at you as if you’ve grown another head. “I don’t think you could work for this Creek.”

You give him a tight smile before continuing. “I think Ron could be your guy.”

“You think so?” He raises an eyebrow at you but doesn’t stop you. 

“He’s a good man and he’s diligent. I’d be willing to bet my job on it.”

He straightens up and points a finger at you. “You’d risk your career on a rookie?”

“He’s going to keep being green until somebody gives him the chance to prove himself.” You say with conviction.

Briggs looks down and wags his finger before crossing his arms over his chest. The two of you stare at each other, he’s giving you an out. You don’t back down though. 

“I’m going to ask you again seriously. You’re willing to put your ass on the line for Ron Stallworth?”

“I would, Sir.”

He sighs and rubs a hand over his face. “I’ll think about it. Now get out of here.” He says before waving you off. 

“Thank you.” You say sincerely as you grab the binder off his desk.

I was going to post this at the end of the chapter and forgot I made it :/

The lady in the top right is actually Olivia Washington!

Pairing: Phillip 'Flip' Zimmerman X Reader(fem)

Word count: 2.5k

Main summary: Your uncle introduced you to his partner a few years ago when you moved to Colorado Springs and after a while you've been trying to stomp out the feelings that keep trying to pop up. The wheel of fate starts rolling faster and that task only seems to get harder since the training of rookie Ron Stallworth in your records room.

Chapter summary: You finally meet with Ron's sister and have breakfast at your favorite diner. The two of you talk a bit about your similar pasts and she takes special interest in your relationship with Flip.

Notes: I'm sorry this took a bit longer than normal! I am currently helping to take care of two of my nieces in addition to my own daughter so it's a bit nuts currently for me. I hope that you guys enjoy the new chapter though. If you guys haven't seen photos of Olivia Washington you should look up her up, she looks so much like her brother.

As always this will be cross posted to AO3.

*Header and dividers are made by me, please do not use!

Masterlist Part 1 Next->

The last month had been… confusing to navigate since ‘The incident’. You were sure that you had misconstrued what happened but a small part of your brain festered with the idea that maybe, just maybe, something could have happened. You tried stomping out the thoughts but it wasn’t helping much that Flip and you had been off since then. Not exactly strained but there was more distance than there used to be. 

You’ve even taken to eating more often in the records room with Ron this last month versus with the detectives like you were. The times you do eat in there you’ll just leave pretty much right after finishing your meal. Uncle Jimmy tried to ask you if something was wrong but you just told him you were busy with file requests recently, which could be plausible because a few departments were working overtime recently.

Shaking your head you tried to focus on the present. Ron's sister had reached out earlier in the week wanting to meet up and get a meal together. Lucinda had confessed she may not be ready to talk a lot about her situation but you assured her that was fine. Sometimes it was comforting to just exist in proximity to someone who knew what you were going through. She had mentioned that Ron suggested Charlie’s 24/7 diner as you had just recently taken him there for the first time.

Looking across the diner you see on the clock it was just about 10am when she was supposed to meet you. You had been to the diner many times with Uncle Jimmy and Flip prior to taking Ron here. It was about a fifteen minute drive from the police making it a hotspot for all of you. During the week morning it was always Betty and another person, often some college kid trying to make a little bit of money. Betty had been working here since the place opened up almost twenty years. She and her son-in-law Marco opened it as a way to honor her daughter that had passed away suddenly, Charlie always spoke of opening a restaurant. You vaguely remember meeting her a few times as a kid when visiting Jimmy as a kid. You guys often ate here since he was a horrible cook.

You imagine that Charlie would have looked just like Betty as she aged, the two of them had looked so alike. At seventy-something her once vibrant brown hair had faded to white with only small hints of its original color. Brown eyes crinkled and shown with kindness with every smile she gave.

The soft jingle of the bell above the door broke you out of your thinking. Without a doubt you could tell that the woman walking in was Ron’s sister, you’d have thought they were twins if you didn’t know better. She was tall -maybe an inch or two shorter than Ron. Their noses were the same, eyes close but hers turned in more at the inner corner. Her afro was about the same size but the coils were more defined and incredibly shiny. You’d definitely have to ask her for advice.

You stand up when she says your name with uncertainty. “Hi Lucinda! It’s a pleasure to meet you.” 

Shaking her hand you feel a bit shy as she looks so up and down, she didn’t make it discreet. Did you get something on your face? 

“Mm, Ron left out that you were one foxy mama!” She says appreciatively.

Heat floods your face as your laugh flies out, that’s not what you had been expecting at all. 

“Thank you! You're so beautiful, that’s definitely a high compliment.”

The two of you sit down and the red colored leather bounces lightly as you settle in. You watch her take in the little diner. It wasn’t really any different then other ones around but to you but walking in always brought you immense comfort. The back wall against your booth seat was a bright turquoise with records adorning it, the others were white with various photos of customers from the last nineteen years. The leather of the booths were red, tables had black ones, and the stools at the counter were as close to the turquoise wall as they could match it. Betty had been talking about switching the black and white tiles for some else but her and Marco couldn’t agree on an option. The only thing that really changed over the years was the addition of a newer jukebox and the growing photo collection. She turned back to you and smiled, it was a relaxed one. 

“I have to thank you by the way for the banana bread you gave Ron, it was delicious. He brought it over to mama’s house for breakfast that Sunday after you gave it to him.” Lucinda leaned in a bit. “On the down low -he told me about the boss man keeping him in the back rooms. He really appreciated the gesture.”

“I’m glad you guys enjoyed it. It’s nice having him there but I know Ron's itching to get into the field.”

“Ain’t that the truth.” 

The two of you end up chatting for a while and putting in orders after a little bit. It was nice getting to talk with another woman, you never bothered to make any friends since your life practically revolved around the police force. You were hopeful that maybe you could become friends long-term. 

It had been about fifteen minutes when you suddenly heard two familiar voices following the bell chime. What the hell were they doing here?

“You ok girl? You look like you just took a bite out of a lemon.”

“I'm waiting for those two idiots to finally spot me. Blind ass bastard.”

Lucinda shoots you a look of confusion before turning halfway in her seat to see who you're talking about.

“That happens to be my Uncle and his partner. Those two rarely come here on the weekend which means we have some nosy nellies in our midst.”

“You white people are always in someone's business.”

“Unfortunately so. I'll be right hun, I'm so sorry.”

Flip looked like he wanted to be anywhere other than here. His posture looked nonchalant to anyone who didn't know him, but you did. His jaw was clenching repeatedly, his shoulders were tense, and his fists were balled up in his jacket pockets.

“Part of your job is not being spotted old man.”

“Damn it.” You hear Jimmy mutter under his breath. “What a surprise seeing you hear my darling niece!”

Your face is completely blank as he greets with fake exaggerated surprise. What an idiot. 

“What are you doing here?” You crossed your arms when you stop in front of him. “And don't bullshit me.”

“Mrs. Jenny said you were going on a date and he lost his shit.” Flip wouldn't even look in your direction, just kept facing the host stand.

“Are you fucking kidding me Jimmy?” You hissed out. 

“In my defense-” He started as he held his hands up

“I am not a child.”

“I know that hunny. You've just been off for a while so I was just, I don't know.” 

You sigh as you realize he's just concerned for you and not being nosy. Your uncle would always have your back no matter what.

“I'm not having dating problems or anything like that.” You can see Flip turn his head ever so slightly towards you. “It’s just breakfast with the Rookie's sister. She… she went through something similar to what I did, I gave her my number in case she ever wanted to talk.”

“Oh, I guess I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions.” 

“We’ll talk about this invasion of privacy later. Ok?” 

You turn around to see Lucinda was watching some or all of the conversation that went on. Hopefully that small shit show didn't make her view you too negatively. On one hand you were angry but on the other you knew his heart was in a good place. You didn't know why he had drag Flip with him though. You couldn't exactly tell him your crisis was because you try not to have feelings for his partner. 

“I'm so sorry for that. I've, uh, been in a weird mood recently and my uncle jumped to conclusions.”

“Does the mood have to do with tall and handsome by chance?”

Your face explodes with color, she hit the nail right on the head. You take a sip of your coffee and eye your food that arrived while you were gone. You had ordered the short stack with eggs and toast while she had gotten a ham and cheese omelet with hash browns. 

“It's not like that at all.” 

She shoots you a disbelieving look. “He did not take his eyes off you the entire time you walked back over here. I don't think he even realized I was watching him, that's how hard he was focusing on you.”

You can’t help the humorless chuckle that escapes. “It’s not like that…”

“But you wish it was?” She asked.

You instinctively look up at the counters where Jimmy and Flip were seated.

“It doesn’t really matter, he’s my uncle's partner. Flip actually helped my Uncle Jimmy bring me here to Colorado Springs a few years back.”

“Really?” She asked hesitantly.

You didn’t really mind telling her about what happened, it had been years since it happened. It wasn’t like it was a fresh wound.

“Yeah. It was just over six years ago actually. It was the dead of night when I called my Uncle to come get me. It just… hit me. I had to get out before my ex killed me one of these days. We had been arguing about his drinking again, it probably wasn’t the best idea to argue with a drunkard but hindsight is 20/20. We were in the red for bills again and I just got the notice that the electricity would be cut off because we hadn’t even paid the month prior.”

“He was drinking that much?”

“He polished off half a case or even a full one in just one night. Sometimes even mixing in hard liquor. I wasn’t allowed to work and he did not make enough for that horrible habit of his. He was a nasty drunk.”

“It’s a control thing isn’t it?” She clarifies when you tilt your head in confusion. “Mine didn’t let me work either.”

You nod your head. “Mm it definitely is. They want you to depend on them and not have a way to escape. If you are essentially broke, how are you supposed to leave?”

“Rotten bastards.”

You laugh and take another bite of your food. Charlie’s was never a miss when it came to a meal, no matter what time of day it was. Sometimes in the early days after you moved here you’d find yourself at the diner even in the middle of the night. Too restless to be alone with your thoughts. Sometimes Jimmy would join you if he woke up when you were leaving.

“Can I ask how it all happened?”

You washed the bite down with some coffee before answering her. “I had been with my ex James since we were in high school, did the whole stupid sweetheart thing. I didn’t even realize how he started cutting me off from all my friends until close to the end.”

“Your family didn’t say anything?”

You shoot her an uncomfortable look at the question. Now that was a can of worms.

“My parents were never really present, I was an accident and they never grew into the role. I mainly was raised by random babysitters and once I was old enough they would pawn me off on Jimmy all the time. It made it easy for my ex to separate me from everyone, his only real obstacle was my uncle.”

“Was he always like that? With mine it was like a switch just turned on once we moved a few states over.” 

You feel nostalgic watching her pick at her food and ask these questions. For a long time you tried to rationalize what happened and if there was something that you could have done differently. At the end of the day it’s hard to come to terms with the fact that love can turn into something so vile.

“James slowly started turning like that once we were out of high school. I think he realized the world was a big place and he wasn’t all that he thought he was. I’ve helped on calls where it was like your situation though. Shitty people come in all shapes unfortunately.”

“Don’t I know it. Ron happened to stop for a visit and Ralph lost his shit, he thought I was having an affair. My brother knocked him right out when he laid hands on me. We grabbed my papers and went to the police immediately. I went back to my mama’s house with me.”

You smiled at her. “It’s not easy leaving and rebuilding everything again.”

“You said that non lover man helped out too, right? What was his name again?” She wiggles her eyebrows at you.

You nibble on your lower lip anxiously, eyes wandering over to him again. Your breath hitches when you find him watching you over his shoulder. The waitress behind the counter refills his coffee cup which draws his attention away.

“Girl, this is just painful to watch.” She jokes.

You can’t help but groan at her. “He’s not interested in me like that, I swear. He’s just a friend.”

“An overly protective friend that looks like the definition of yearning? One who also followed to see if you were on a date?” She looks at you unconvinced.

“Flip is-”

Her face contorts. “The hell kinda name is Flip anyway?”

Scratching the back of your head you give her an awkward look, this will probably not help your case about him.

“Flip happened to be there with my uncle when I called, they were working on a case. As far as the name I -uh, well…when they picked me up I thought Jimmy had said ‘Flip’ instead of Phillip. In my defense I hadn’t slept in over 24 hours by the time they got there. He never bothered to correct me, it was about a year later when I started at the station I realized that his name was Phillip.”

“So you have a special name for him?”

“Not really anymore. Everyone pretty much calls him that now. Some of the guys think it’s because he can flip a woman into his bed or how he’ll flip his moods. He’s my uncle’s partner at the end of the day though, I don't think he's ever thought of me like that.

She sighed and took your hand across the table. “I’m not gonna claim to know your guys' relationship, but maybe try giving it a look through different eyes. If he asked you out, what would you say?”

“I try not to think about it honestly. I couldn’t think of crossing my uncle like that, those two have been partners for so long and trust each other.”

“Well, just think about what I said. We should definitely do this again though, this was really nice.”

Pairing: Phillip 'Flip' Zimmerman X Reader(fem)

Word count: 1.8k

Main summary: Your uncle introduced you to his partner a few years ago when you moved to Colorado Springs and after a while you've been trying to stomp out the feelings that keep trying to pop up. The wheel of fate starts rolling faster and that task only seems to get harder since the training of rookie Ron Stallworth in your records room.

Chapter summary: Awkward moments and Lint trying to set his parents up :)

Notes: Sorry this took me a couple extra days to update. I had a busy weekend and killer tummy issues Monday (hot girls have stomach issues or something like that XD)

As always this will be cross posted to AO3.

*Header and dividers are made by me, please do not use!

Masterlist Part 1 Next->

The car ride home had been quiet and tense, nothing like the comfortable one shared prior. 

You spent most of the time petting Winston to distract yourself. 

Flip occasionally had these hot and cold switches that always had you scratching your head. Detective Abott often said he’d ‘Flip’ his moods. While that wasn’t how the nickname came about it certainly fit. You just couldn’t make heads or tails of the sudden switch up today.

For dinner you had decided to set up a post roast in the morning so it could be ready later on. It was an easy kosher meal, not that he always abided by the dietary stuff. All you needed was to prepare the sides closer to dinner time. Maybe a salad and biscuits? 

For now you decided to focus on the biscuits then worry about dessert after. Honestly baking always helped clear your head -and right now that was exactly what you needed. 

Every once in a while your gaze would drift unintentionally out the window. Unfortunately you had the perfect view of Flip working on your truck. His glorious side profile was just there, it was hard not to look. He mentioned once that when he was a kid he used to hate his larger nose. You thought it fit him though. Not to mention the view of his biceps, forearms, and occasionally back flexing and straining. More than a handful of times you caught yourself ogling him over the last two-ish hours. You were so glad you already swapped your blouse for a tanktop. The sight of him kept spiking your temperature if you stared too long. Surely you could blame it on the dough kneading right?

You were getting nervous about the storm though. Heavy clouds of charcoal were rolling in faster than you both had been anticipating in the last hour alone. It was almost 4pm and the distant rumbles of thunder were slowly getting closer.

Looking up you realize Flip is no longer arms deep in your car but rather sitting behind the wheel. After washing your hands quickly and make your way outside to check in on the progress. He must be done or getting close to it by now.

Would he still stay for dinner or just take off? You were hoping his sour ass mood had resolved with the time alone but there was only one way to find out. As you open the front door you are greeted by the roar of the engine kicking off. At least if he didn’t stay the truck was fixed so you wouldn’t have to deal with any more close quarter rides. You know he's listening for any sound changes so you chose to wait until the engine is killed before striking up a conversation.

“Is she all good again Flip?”

He exits the cab and gives you a curt nod. “Should be. We’ll go around the block in a bit, just let me get the tools out from the inside.”

Looks like the earlier sentiment is immediately getting thrown out the window.

“Would you-” BOOM!

Before you can even finish offering help you’re cut off by a sharp echoing crack of thunder. Lighting sparks across the sky as another follows seconds after. You look back to see Flip still observing the brewing storm.

“That’s probably not good.”

“Probably not.” He parrots back.

The air is so heavy with the scent of rain you know it’s only a matter of time before-

Plop

Nevermind. You shake your head as the rain begins to splatter against the ground, large drops working their way to cover everything. This time when you glance back again you're startled to find Flip staring at you. That same damn look as before graces his face again. 

"Head on in and I’ll throw the tools back in the garage.”

“I can help-”

“Get yer ass back inside Creek.” He says with no real bite.

“Just toss it all in and I’ll sort it out later.”

You run back inside to grab some towels from the laundry room for you guys to use. He made quick work of shoving everything away but you weren’t expecting him to already be soaked to the bone like he was. Handing a towel to him you can’t help but steal a few glances. That thin worn out white shirt sticks to him like a second skin. It’s downright sinful.

Get a damn grip!

“You should take a shower so you don’t catch a cold. I’ll go get out the soaps Uncle Jimmy has stored here if you don’t mind getting your clothes from the spare room. I think you still have a pair of sweats and other things here.”

You hear his hum from behind you head into the bathroom next to said guest room. He follows a few moments later and you realize he’s left his dirty boots at the door, you already know he’s trying to avoid tracking stuff through the house.

Opening the cabinet door you kneel down to grab out the small tub with a few different soaps. Surprisingly your uncle actually likes cycling through shampoos and body washes. A few of them have ended up here for when he spends the nights. Flip has stayed here a few times with Jimmy here also but he’s never showered here. Straightening up you make sure you actually have one of each kind. 

“Hey, darlin’?” hearing Flip coming you turn towards him.

Your brain instantly short circuits at the sight in front of you. You had thought Flip in the wet shirt was sinful but this was a whole other level of temptation. Because right in front of you in all his glory stood a shirtless Flip Zimmerman. Watching the pale bicep muscles flexed as he dries his hair you're stuck by a thought. You are fucked. You're fixated momentarily as a drop of water traverses down his collarbone and slides lower down past his peck and-. 

Holy hell get it together!

Managing to tear your eyes away you're thankful to see Flip isn't even paying attention to you yet.

You clear your throat and ask “What did you need?”

“Are you sure I still had a shirt here? I can't find one in the drawer.” 

He gazes down at you as he rests the towel on his shoulders. You think this has to be some sort of fresh hell having to make so much eye contact to avoid looking at the rest of him.

“Did you check Jimmy’s drawer to see if it ended up there? To be honest I'm not really sure what you guys have in there. I thought you brought some stuff not too long ago.”

He scratches the back of his head and you hate the way your eyes dart briefly to look at his bare bicep.

“I guess I should've checked his shit first, huh?”

“Um, it's all good. Worst case scenario I have that old Looney Tunes sorry you have me a while back.”

He cocks his head to the side while searching your face. “The Taz one that had the holes in the sleeves?”

“Well it doesn't have them anymore but yeah. If you want to check the other drawer I'll go pull out mine in case.”

He nods his head and turns to head back into the room across the hall. What a view you're blessed with upon his retreat. Fascinated you realize that his speckled back reminded you slightly of a tortilla. A very big, strong- focus. Oh how you could kiss every single one and- focus dammit!

Groaning under your breath you jet out of the bathroom. You needed to get the hell away from that temptation before you made a fool of yourself, you're a hair away from it. Boy are you glad men are dense creatures though. 

Heading into your bedroom you go straight to your pajama drawer with the night gowns. Although it was a shirt on your form it was basically the size of a night gown. 

“Did you find it?” You call out. You'd be staying right here in the safety of your room away from him for as much as you could.

“Not in there either.” He calls back.

Round two of temptation, here we go. The two of you meet back in the hallway. Unfortunately for you, fate would seem to be really testing the level of self control you possess today.

Tearing though the hall came Lint with Winston following close behind. Normally you loved to see them playing together but at this moment you couldn't. You hadn't been expecting Lint to attempt to run right between your legs while you were walking.

“Watch out!” Flip tried to warn. 

You let out a startled noise as your foot catches the underside of the fuzzy gray bastard mid stride. Flip’s arms instantly shoot out to try and prevent you from kissing the floor. In doing so you end up nestled right in his bare arms. One arm wrapped around your waist holding you flush and the other on your upper back. Briefly you wonder where his towel went but your brain catches up and you realize exactly where you are right now. One of your hands rests on his chest and the other is holding onto his hip. His skin is cold and barely damp to the touch, you can feel the muscles in his chest twitching under your hand. The two of you breathing in tandem as you're pressed together.

Your name being called with such reverence makes you draw your gaze to meet Flip’s. Warm brown eyes with furrowed brows make your breath catch. 

“You ok doll?” He drawls.

“Um, yeah, I think so.”

The two of you don’t move even with your wellbeing established, just staring into each other's eyes holding each other. You swear his eyes flicker to your

“I-” You started but get cut off by Winston.

The moment between you is harshly broken by Winston awoowoo-ing for attention. You clear your throat and give him a small pat twice on the chest. Oh, don’t do that. Stop touching him you dingbat!

“We should probably-” He starts.

“Probably.” You finish without really knowing what he was saying.

You clear your throat again and pat your legs a few times nervously, rocking on the balls of your feet. Spotting the shirt that started this on the floor you grab it and shake it off. You hold it out for him to take.

“Here. I’m going to start on the dessert for later.”

His hand lingers on your’s as he takes the shirt from you. “Thanks. I’ll go wash up.”

Nodding your head you turn around and head to your kitchen. You definitely need to bake now to distract yourself. A single thought runs through your head as you go.

Pairing: Phillip 'Flip' Zimmerman X Reader(fem)

Word count: 3k

Main summary: Your uncle introduced you to his partner a few years ago when you moved to Colorado Springs and after a while you've been trying to stomp out the feelings that keep trying to pop up. The wheel of fate starts rolling faster and that task only seems to get harder since the training of rookie Ron Stallworth in your records room.

Chapter summary: Flip has to remind himself that the two of you are friends as he wrestles with too many emotions.

Notes: This is Flip's view of the last chapter! I love writing both views because you get to see how the other person is feeling and interpreting the situation. Celebrating my birthday on the 14th by posting a chaotic chapter :)

As always this will be cross posted to AO3.

*Header and plaid divider are made by me, please do not use!

Masterlist Part 1 Next->

Flip’s POV

Flip’s eyes flick to the clock for what feels like the millionth time in the last hour. He had been watching it like a hawk, it was a 50/50 chance that you would try to high tail it and walk home. 

“Got a hot date Flip?” Johnson joked.

The large older man had been a thorn in his side for the last few years. Always sticking his nose where it didn’t belong. 

“He does indeed.” Jimmy says while nodding his head.

 His partner was an even bigger thorn.

“Jimmy, not today man.”

The grin on Johnson’s wide face doubled in size.

“Ahhh, another outing with Miss Creek then.”  

Flip shuts his eyes and breathes out his nose heavily. If it wasn’t these two then it was almost everyone else in the precinct. 

He tried his best, he really did. If you weren’t his partner’s niece things may be different. But they weren’t. Jimmy trusted him with your care and there was no way he’d ruin that. No matter how much he wanted to.

Opening his eyes he switched looking between Jimmy and Johnson. “If you don’t shut your damn mouths I'll staple ‘em shut.” He picked up the stapler and knocked the bottom down to make his point.

Johnson of course didn’t take the threat to heart.

“All I’m saying is you got a kind, feisty, beautiful woman hanging around who’s into you. You gotta do something before she’s snatched up!” The larger man leans back in his chair.

“He’s not wrong.” Jimmy chimes in.

Johnson rubbed at his chin in thought for a moment. “You know there’s a fellow in Narcotics who’s always asking around about her. He’s handsome enough I bet ladies are dropping to their knees if he asked.”

Flip’s head snaps towards his partner. “That’s your niece he’s blabbering about.” He says strained.

“She’s a grown adult, she has needs too. I’m not gonna police who she sleeps with.” Jimmy chuckles at his accidental joke.

He checks the clock again and sees it’s finally 1pm. Setting the stapler down he does a quick pick up of his desk. Tossing old cigarette butts and empty paper cups in the trash beside his desk.

“If you two assholes don’t mind, I’m leaving now.” He stands and heads to the door without an actual goodbye.

“Just think about it!” Johnson yells after the younger detective.

His only response back is a shoving a middle finger up over his shoulder.

Flip leans against the wall and mulls over the interaction in head while he waits for you. Johnson always had something to say about the pair of you, takes every chance to bust his balls on it. He could somewhat deal with him but his partner always sent him into a spiral. He should know better than anyone Flip wasn’t someone he’d want his niece with. He knew how much you meant to Jimmy. For years he heard so many things about you from the man. Always going on like some proud father, he would have thought you were his daughter if he didn’t know better.

They trusted each other with their lives and Jimmy trusted him with yours as well. You were the single most important thing to his partner. Flip would never allow himself to admit you were his too.

Damn could he use a cigarette right now.

The sound of somebody walking down the hallway broke him from his reverie. Looking up he can see you making your way over to his unit. You seemed to be lost in your own thoughts.

“I was beginning to think I’d have to go track you on the road.”

“I probably wouldn’t get far if I tried anyway.” You said airily.

“You really wouldn’t.” He agreed.

Flips watched as you rolled your eyes dramatically before coming to a stop in front of him. 

“You're only coming willingly for Winston and we both know it.” He smirks.

You chuckled at his statement and mockingly put your hands in the air. The banter between you two could always lift a weight off his shoulders, no matter how stressed he was.

“You got me there. How could I ever resist a pair of brown eyes? They're my weakness.” You sigh dramatically and placed a hand over your heart. 

He knew you were referring to the dog but he couldn’t help the small thrill that shot through his chest. Flip couldn’t help but mess with you. He pushed off the wall so he could angle himself to face you. 

Leaning down he asked “Brown eyes are your weakness are they?”

Flip wasn’t prepared for the way your face reddened or how your breath hitched just slightly. Sure he wanted to mess with you but he hoped he wasn’t crossing a line. He felt the tension grow as you struggled to get a coherent sentence out. 

All of sudden the irritating grating voice of his partner cuts through the air.

“No loitering you hoodlums!”

Jimmy stands in the doorway with a shit eating grin. Flip couldn’t help the grunt of irritation as you turn around to face your uncle. 

He shouldn’t be annoyed though. He shouldn’t even be teasing you like that.

“We are in a public space sir. You're the one causing a ruckus.” You jested playfully.

Flip places his hands on your shoulders as he leans over your head to look at his partner. He knew his partner hated that he was starting to need reading glasses.

“Maybe if you wore your glasses you'd see you came through a door to yell at us.”

“Maybe we should take you back to the optometrist?” You tacked on.

Jimmy was pulling some C grade acting pretending to be all shocked at the two of you ganging up on him. Flip feels the slight shake of your shoulders as you chuckle.

Flip can hear Detective Abott calling out to Jimmy from inside their office. He silently thanks whatever guiding forces for the intervention.

He couldn’t help but look at you and wonder how that conversation could have played out if it hadn’t been halted.

“We should probably head out before Uncle Jimmy tries to give us a citation.” You said.

He hadn’t even realized you were looking up at him now or that Jimmy had left.

“Probably.” Came the quickest answer he had.

He squeezes your shoulders and uses them to steer you away from his department. Flip guides you back to the front for a moment before letting go. His hands make their way into the front pockets of his jeans.

He really needed to remember to stop touching you, with you it just came so naturally.

As the two of you made your way outside your shoulders still brushed every so often still,

Flip’s mind felt so conflicted he was thankfully for the idle conversation. He had a feeling he knew what was wrong with the Bronco and didn’t think it would take more than two hours to fix. Most of it would just be getting to the parts he needed. Since his truck was a Ford also it wouldn’t need any special tools, you had all the ones he’d need in your garage.

As you two reach his truck Flip makes sure to open the passenger door for you like he always does. His hand automatically finds your lower back as he ushers you into the seat. He’d blame it on being raised right and nothing like wanting to always be touching you in the only way he was allowed to.

He watches the way your hair falls around your shoulders as you lean to the left to look at the buckle and do it. Like a lightbulb going off he suddenly remembers the little bag of hair ties that had been shoved in the glove box.

Flip needs to use your seat to get a bit of leeway needed to see inside the compartment. His height plus the angle of it don’t mix easily. Vaguely he realizes that he really should clean it out like Jimmy keeps telling him to, maybe he’ll get to it this weekend.

“Here we go darlin’.” He couldn’t help the prideful pull in his chest seeing the little sparkle in your eyes everytime he calls you that.

You stare at him in confusion before raising your brow at him. “I have a few questions?”

He gently moves your arm more towards yourself before shutting the door gently, he’d hate to get you with it. Flip decides to grab the spare hat from the back seat to keep his own hair out of the way before finally getting settled behind the wheel. By the time he’s in the truck you’ve already got your hair up in a simple ponytail and are putting the bag back into its original spot.

“One of the times before you kept trying to hold your hair out of your face.” He glances at you briefly to gauge your reaction. Backing up he slings an arm around the back of your seat . When he hits the road he rolls down the windows. Man was he hoping you didn’t find his actions alarming or overbearing. 

“Yesterday your hair was already back so you didn’t need 'em. I got two different color kinds just in case, also have the other half at the apartment so you stop using those damn rubberbands.”

Flip felt the tension leave his body as a giant smile spreads on your face. From the corner of his eye he can see you turn your body to face him as much as you can. Resting a hand on his bicep you give it a brief squeeze. 

“Thank you so much Flip, this is really sweet.”

“It’s no problem at all darlin’.” He murmurs. 

He cursed internally as his muscles flex at the sound of his nickname leaving your lips. It wasn’t often that you used it but damn did it affect him every time immensely. The sincere look in your eyes, the feel of your hand on him, and his name being used so sweetly has the heat creeping up his neck.

Clearing his throat he chants mentally, ‘Think naked old ladies, think naked old ladies, think naked old ladies’ to redirect his focus

“I bet Winston will be excited to see you.”

“I can’t wait to see him!” You cheered excitedly.

Flip chuckled at your enthusiasm. If anyone loved that dog more than him, it was you. No matter how often he needed you to watch him you were always just as happy.

“I think one day I’ll come home to find my dog missing.”

You smile cheekily at him. “Well I’d hope you are a good enough detective to figure out where he went.”

“Hardy har har.” Despite the sarcastic reply, Flip's face holds a genuine smile.

“Should I be worried about your skill set?” You teased.

The only reply he could think of for your question was a middle finger. His eyes crinkle at the sound of your laughter filling the cab.

“I should find another sitter for him before you steal him.” 

He’d never do that.

“Like I couldn’t just use my key to take him.” You wipe the moisture that's gathered at the corner of your eyes from laughing.

He hums non-committedly as he pulls the car into the assigned spot for his unit number. By the time you have the seatbelt unlocked Flip was already making his way over to open your door. You thank him again before you guys head to the main lobby.

Seeing Gary at the lobby Flip already knows exactly what’s to come. 

“Mrs. Zimmerman! How are you, dear?” The older man's eyes squint as he smiles at you.

There it was -Mrs. Zimmerman. His heart clenched at the thought of you holding the title of his wife. 

You shake your head at him and wave as you pass by. 

“We still aren’t married Gary.” You say breezily.

Flip just waves and gives a silent nod. 

No matter how many times you told the man he’d call you that. Flip honestly gave up trying after the first six months. Normally it felt like a small guilty pleasure but today is testing his fraying nerve for sure.

Not wanting to deal with this he places a hand on your lower back and guides you to the stairwell. He lets go and follows behind you, the two of you make your way up the stairs to his place on the second floor. 

When you guys get to the door it’s obvious Winston already has caught your scent, he’s a great hunting dog after all. The sound of his tail thumping against the wall and the excited padding of his feet cause you and Flip to chuckle.

“Asshole never bothers to greet me like this.” 

Flip pretends to be insulted but honestly with how much time his companion spends with you he can’t really blame the dog.

The moment the door is out of his way Winston begins whining for your attention like he hadn’t just spent two weeks with you not even a week ago.

Flip short circuits at the sight in front of him. Smackdab in the middle of the hall you're not even meaning to but you're bent over right in front of him as you greet the black lab mix.

That familiar pickle of heat you bring out rushes up his spine, warming his face and ears rapidly. In moments of weakness he’d imagined you in similar positions throughout his apartment or your house, albeit with much less clothes.

The guilt begins to settle in his stomach like a sinking rock as he realizes his pants have taken on a tighter fit. He feels like some sort of sick pervert. You're his friend, you're supposed to be able to trust him, yet here he was lusting over you.

“Oh my sweet little baby, I’ve missed you much!” You bend over and pat your knees in hopes you can get him to calm down a smidge.

“You’re coming over today so your dad can work on my truck.”

His mouth feels like cotton and his tongue like lead. He grabbed your waist to gently move you over so he could squeeze through the narrow entryway. He needed to get away from you right now before he did something he regretted

“Yeah and thankfully your mom didn’t try to fuck around with it herself this time.” He says absent-mindedly as he makes his way to his bedroom. “Make yourself at home, it shouldn’t take me too long to change.” He calls out to you before the door shuts.

His breath comes out in uneven bursts as his temper rises with himself. He couldn’t even ask you to move. Even then he’s finding an excuse to be touching you. The room seems to be blurring around him as he makes the unsteady walk to the on suite bathroom. Hands land heavy on the counter as he tries to focus on his reflection only to realize he’s still stiff somehow. That disgusting realization sends him over the edge.

What the fuck was wrong with him?

With an enraged swipe Flip sends the nearest object flying off the counter. The object was unfortunately the hand soap dispenser. He watches blankly as the viscous orange soap oozes down the wall, the plastic container cracked split on the floor down below.

The world snaps back into focus when he hears you call out checking if he was ok, he tries to shout out something like a rough reassurance for you. Taking a couple deep breaths he turns the tap water on. Tugging off his hat he holds his breath for a moment as the cold water caresses his warm sweaty skin, washing away some of his unease.

He pulls the hand towel off the ring next to the sink, he sighs into the fabric as he tries his best to regulate the emotions weighing heavy in his chest. Tossing the towel behind he shuffles in the bedroom again to get changed

This weekend he needed to get laid. Maybe he’ll have you take Winston and hit the bars with Jimmy. If he got this shit out of his system maybe it would help, that and some harsher boundaries. 

Flip grunts as he digs through his drawers for his junky pants and a shirt he didn’t care about. If it wasn’t your Uncle then it would be Winston being a cock-block.

Who was he kidding though? This dry spell was more than just because of them. He wouldn't admit that everything became so lackluster since a certain someone kept wriggling into his thoughts. Too thin, too much. Too tall, too short. Too loud, not loud enough, or fake enough to be in a shitty porno. 

Boundaries. There needed to be boundaries. Between you and him and even him and Jimmy (in terms of you). No more touching and he needed to find a way to talk to Jimmy about what he says about the two of you going forward.

Flip’s head feels so loud as he pulls on his mucky working boots after having changed. 

When he opens the door he finds you staring at the photos from the latest fishing trip. He feels like an idiot now that he sees you with a complicated look on your face. He wanted an excuse to have a photo of you there but now it only adds to cocktail of fucked up emotions he wants to ignore.

“Jimmy finally got around to getting the film developed last month.” He manages to say as he stands next to you.

“They turned out great.” You shoot him a strained smile before you turn back to look at the photos again.

“They really did.” Flip agrees as he rubs your back absent-mindedly. 

He quickly withdraws his hand and clears his throat, placing his hands in his pockets. He didn’t mean to touch you but he was already fucking it up. ‘Boundaries’ he reminds himself.

“You ready to go?” 

He knows he can’t look at you right now.

“Yeah. Are you ready Winston?”

Pairing: Phillip 'Flip' Zimmerman X Reader(fem)

Word count: 2.9k

Main summary: Your uncle introduced you to his partner a few years ago when you moved to Colorado Springs and after a while you've been trying to stomp out the feelings that keep trying to pop up. The wheel of fate starts rolling faster and that task only seems to get harder since the training of rookie Ron Stallworth in your records room.

Chapter summary: In this one you guys stop over at Flip's before going home. While there you spot something that complicates you feelings more.

Notes: I'm so sorry for any mistakes in this one! I was trying to proof read but my husband kept trying to talk so I was losing focus a lot. If you spot anything please leave a comment and I'll fix it! As always this will be cross posted to AO3.

*Header and plaid divider are made by me, please do not use!

Masterlist Part 1 Next->

All in all you would say the week had been great, obviously minus the Landers incident the day before. You and the Rookie were getting along swimmingly now. If you had to guess it was probably the threat of your imaginary husband looming that made connecting so hard prior. You really ought to have some words with the Chief about that though.

By the time 1pm rolls around you are more than ready to go home, you still had to make your way over to Flip so you guys could head out.

“If you need anything at all just ring Mrs. Jenny at the front desk. The rest of the day should be easy for you, just the odd file request.”

Ron waved his hand dismissively. “I got it from here. Hope you can get your car fixed up before it rains, they're saying the storm should hit tonight instead.”

“Damn! I better get going then. Have a great weekend Ron!”

You wave and start your walk over to Investigations. 

Even though you’ve known him for five years you couldn’t help but get a bit nervous when you two were alone. Everything was just so easy with him but sometimes you didn’t know where you stood with him. It didn’t help that he was kind, handsome, and smelled spectacular. For the most part the two of you fell into a rhythm and could just exist smoothly. 

“I was beginning to think I’d have to go track you on the road.”

We needed to add his voice to that list, it was the voice of sins. Low with a touch of gravel from all those cigarettes he smoked.

Flip stood leaning against the wall just past the windows of his department.

His outfit consisted of his normal flannels, light brown leather jacket, and denim jeans. He didn’t wear his one with dark greens often but that one was probably your favorite. You’d guess at least seventy percent of his flannels were a variety of red. It was his favorite color after all. 

“I probably wouldn’t get far if I tried anyway.”

“You really wouldn’t.”

You make a show of rolling your eyes before stopping in front of him. 

“You're only coming willingly for Winston and we both know it.” He smirks at you.

You put your hands up mockingly and chuckle at him. 

“You got me there. How could I ever resist a pair of brown eyes? They're my weakness.” You sigh dramatically as you place a hand over your heart. 

“Brown eyes are your weakness are they?” Flip drawls mischievously.

He pushes off the wall angling himself towards you. He leans down a fraction as if the question is drawing him in physically.

Your breath hitches as you look up at him. The mistake of what you've accidentally admitted knocks around in your brain. 

Could you play it off? 

Your mouth opens and closes a few times like a fish out of water. 

How the hell were you getting out of this?

“I -uh…”

As if fate is answering your prayers for help, Uncle Jimmy’s voice shouts behind you two playfully. 

“No loitering you hoodlums!” He calls from the doorway. 

You turn to face your uncle and shoot him a smile. The grunt of annoyance from behind you causes your heart to skip a beat. 

Was he actually frustrated that the conversation got interrupted?

No way! 

You need to be realistic here. It's probably having to deal with more of his partner's shenanigans.

“We are in a public space sir. You're the one causing a ruckus.” You jest.

Flip places his hands on your shoulders as he leans towards the older man

“Maybe if you wore your glasses you'd see you came through a door to yell at us.”

The heat of Flip behind you has made you acutely aware of just how close he was to you now. 

The scent of him starts to creep into the limited space. It's so distinctively him. The mixture of earthy woods, coffee, cigarettes. In the mornings the woodsy smell was more prevalent but by the end of the day the cigarettes win out.

“Maybe we should take you back to the optometrist?” You ask him unseriously.

You manage to muster a half hearted chuckle at your uncle's exaggerated shock. 

The warmth from Flip’s hands has started to seep into you. Those conflicted feelings start to rear their ugly heads. Sometimes you wondered if you actually understood Flip’s actions towards you. 

Before you can give it too much thought Uncle Jimmy is being called back by one of the other detectives in the room.  

“Ah, it seems duty calls! I'll see you two on Monday.” 

He tosses you guys a mock salute before disappearing back through the door. 

You glance up at Flip only to find him already looking down. You can't quite place what the look in his eyes is. 

“We should probably head out before Uncle Jimmy tries to give us a citation.” 

“Probably.” He responds.

He squeezes your shoulders and uses them to steer you away from their department. Flip guides you back to the front for a moment before letting go. His hands make their way into the front pockets of his jeans.

You try to hide the small smile every time your arms brush for a fleeting moment. Who would guess that such a large masculine man was secretly so touchy.

The two of you chat idly about what happened with the Bronco and possibly what could be happening. Flip seemed to have an idea but needed to actually take a look inside before he could diagnose and work on the problem 

As you reach Flip’s truck he makes sure to open the passenger door for you like he always does. His hand finds your lower back as he ushers you into the seat

Once you're settled he opens the glove compartment, you weren’t really sure what he was rooting around for. You use the opportunity to take in the way he unknowingly has you caged in. His left hand rests on the edge of your seat so he can lean in easier while his right moves a few things around. Your certain Flip doesn’t realize just how much of your space he is occupying right now.

“Here we go darlin’.”

Flip straightens up and you can see he is now holding a ziploc bag with a bunch of colorful and neutral ponytail holders. He holds the bag out to you with a little jiggle.

You look at him with a raised eyebrow before asking “I have a few questions?”

“Hold on, let’s start hitting the road.”

The detective gently moves your arm more towards yourself before shutting the door gently. He grabs a spare hat from the back seat to keep his hair out of his face before finally getting settled behind the wheel. 

You tie your hair back quickly and place the bag back into its original spot.

“One of the times before you kept trying to hold your hair out of your face.” He glances at you briefly as he slings an arm around the back of your seat to assist with backing up. When he hits the road he rolls down the windows.

“Yesterday your hair was already back so you didn’t need 'em. I got two different color kinds just in case, also have the other half at the apartment so you stop using those damn rubberbands.”

A giant smile spreads on your face because you're honestly so touched by how thoughtful he is. You wonder briefly how he would be as a romantic partner if this is the level of care he shows to friends. He was raised as a gentleman though. 

You turn your body to face him as much as you can so you can sincerely thank him. Resting a hand on his bicep you give it a brief squeeze. 

“Thank you so much Flip, this is really sweet.”

You can’t help but notice his muscles flex as you say his actual name instead of something playful. You let go smoothly before your mind can wonder too much about it.

“It’s no problem at all darlin’.” He murmurs before clearing his throat. “I bet Winston will be excited to see you.”

“I can’t wait to see him!” You cheered.

Flip chuckled at your enthusiasm. If anyone loved that dog more than him, it was you.

“I think one day I’ll come home to find my dog missing.”

You smile cheekily at him. “Well I’d hope you are a good enough detective to figure out where he went.”

“Hardy har har.” Despite the sarcastic reply, Flip's face holds a genuine smile.

“Should I be worried about your skill set?”

The only reply to your question is a long middle finger. Laughter bubbles out at his childish behavior.

“I should find another sitter for him before you steal him.”

“Like I couldn’t just use my key to take him.” You wipe the moisture that's gathered at the corner of your eyes from laughing.

He hums non-committedly as the car pulls into the assigned spot for his unit number. By the time you have the seatbelt unlocked Flip is already making his way over to open your door. You thank him again before you guys head to the main lobby.

Gary was the one sitting behind the lobby counter today. You didn’t get to see the older gentlemen often as you weren’t normally here at this time during the week. He adjusts his glasses and smiles when he sees you and Flip.

“Mrs. Zimmerman! How are you, dear?” His eyes squint as he smiles at you.

You shake your head and wave as you pass by. 

“We still aren’t married Gary.” You say breezily.

It was a little awkward when he first became employed there and you had to explain the two of you were only friends after he caught Flip ‘cheating’. No matter how many times you’ve told him over the last two years he always addressed you the same. You were thankful that he never gave you another report, you really did not want to think about the amount of women warming your friends bed.

Flip just waves, not even bothering to correct him for the dozenth time.  He places a hand on your lower back to guide you to the stairwell. He lets go as he follows behind you, the two of you make your way up the stairs to his place on the second floor. 

When you guys get to the door you can tell that Winston already has caught your scent. The sound of his tail thumping against the wall and the excited padding of his feet cause you and Flip to chuckle.

“Asshole never bothers to greet me like this.” He pretends to complain.

The moment the door is out of his way Winston begins whining for your attention as if he’d been abandoned for twenty years. Realistically it’s only been about a week since you’ve seen him last.

You coo at the squiggly black mass that can’t seem to stand still. “Oh my sweet little baby, I’ve missed you much!” You bend over and pat your knees in hopes you can get him to calm down a smidge.

“You’re coming over today so your dad can work on my truck.”

You failed to notice that Flip stands in the hallway for a beat before finally coming into his own space. A pair of hands grab your waist to gently move you over so he can squeeze through the narrow entryway. 

“Yeah and thankfully your mom didn’t try to fuck around with it herself this time.” He says offhandedly as he makes his way to the back where his bedroom was. 

“Make yourself at home, it shouldn’t take me too long to change.” He calls out before the door shuts.

Winston begins to race around at the prospect of going home with you.

You barely process the last thing Flip had said, your brain feels as though it’s on dial up. You’re so glad that he didn’t turn around because if he had he would’ve seen how crimson your face had become in that short span of time. 

The ghost of his touch and words play over and over in your mind. It wasn’t intimate by any means but Flip had never touched your waist like that, especially not while you were bent over like that. 

That topped with the fact he called you Winston’s mom had your brain going haywire.

What the hell was wrong with you?

You groan as you pinch the bridge of your nose. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for four, exhale for four.

Your head snaps up as a somewhat loud thump comes from Flip’s room. 

“Are you ok?” You call out as you make your way into the living.

You hear a muffled reassurance through the door and decide to take a seat while you wait. Winston instantly comes to sit on the floor between your legs. His tail thumps against the floor when you resume petting him. 

You look around the living room since it's been a few months since you've been here. The last handful of times Winston got dropped off to you and stayed a while in between. 

Not much has changed honestly since you've known him. The space was sparsely filled with anything. It had most of the normal furniture but lacked anything that made it feel lived in. It was no secret that detective Zimmerman was a workaholic.

The thing that caught your eye was the two new picture frames hung up beside the couch toward the rooms. They were placed side by side and above the one that used to be alone. You were familiar with the one that had been there long before you.

It almost seemed like a matching set of three. 

The original photo was almost seven years old. It was a picture of him and Uncle Jimmy on the first fishing trip he went up to Flip’s cabin for. The two of them stood smiling with the largest fishes that they managed to catch that day. Both were trout but Uncle Jimmy had a brown and Flip a cutthroat. You felt like the fish matched them in a way, Flip’s love for red and your uncle’s matched his changing hair.

They had been partners for just over a year when they went. You could clearly see the difference seven years had made on them, a light ache settled in your chest at the comparison. The most noticeable difference about your uncle was just how much he’d aged. His hair back then had been a light brown with just a bit of greying at the temples, he also had much less wrinkles and fine lines. Flip was lacking his facial hair and wore his hair much shorter back then. 

But these new pictures?

They were of you and Flip from the latest fishing trip a few months ago.

The first one was just after the two of you managed to pull this giant tiger musky out of the water. The monster had ended up being almost four feet in length and a whopping forty-two pounds. Flip was holding the fish on the line next to you and it unintentionally looked like he was measuring it against you. The two of you had been staring at each other with matching gobsmacked expressions

You remember struggling to reel in the fish on the line, Flip running over after you almost fell into the water. The way he stood pressed against your back helping to hold and stabilize the rod.

The second was of you two on the dock in almost the same spot they stood years previous. You guys were showing off to the camera that giant tiger muskie the pair of you caught. Flip stood behind you with his next to yours on the fish. 

It almost looked intimate. You had been laughing at the joke Flip told you when Uncle Jimmy took the photo. He was whispering in your ear and your head was tilted back against his chest in mid laugh.

“Jimmy finally got around to getting the film developed last month.”

You had been so in your head reminiscing that you hadn’t even heard his door open at all.

He had changed into the pair of stained jeans he normally used for car maintenance. That shirt was definitely going to be a distraction tonight. The plain white shirt had thinned from the years of wear, it was just a tad smaller then the ones he had now. It wasn’t skin tight but just enough to enhance his muscles.

“They turned out great.” You shoot him a smile trying not to be awkward as you turn back to look at the photos again.

“They really did.” Flip says as he rubs your back absent-mindedly. 

He quickly withdraws his hand and clears his throat, placing his hands in his pockets.

“You ready to go?” He asks.

You're confused immensely by the fast change in behavior. He acted as if you’d burned him somehow. You can’t help as your gaze follows him using the frame

He heads to the hooks by the door with Winston’s leash and the multitude of bandanas you’ve made.

“Yeah. Are you ready WInston?”

Pairing: Phillip 'Flip' Zimmerman X Reader(fem)

Word count: 2k+

Main summary: Your uncle introduced you to his partner a few years ago when you moved to Colorado Springs and after a while you've been trying to stomp out the feelings that keep trying to pop up. The wheel of fate starts rolling faster and that task only seems to get harder since the training of rookie Ron Stallworth in your records room.

Notes: I was hoping to have this out so much sooner but needed time to work on the last bit. If you like the story or have any questions please feel free to leave a comment! This will also be cross posted to AO3.

*Header and plaid divider are made by me, please do not use!

Masterlist Part 1 Next->

Ever the gentleman Flip held the door open with the one not on your lower back. You really couldn’t think of a time he didn’t open a room or car door for you. He would even walk on the outside of a sidewalk while making sure you stayed away from traffic.

“You really don’t have to walk me back, I know how busy you guys are finishing up the last case.” As much as you love getting time alone with Flip you feel slightly guilty. 

“Don’t worry about it darlin’.” He rubs your back reassuringly before sliding his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. “You gonna tell me what’s so important that you of all people are taking a half day?”

You find yourself missing the warmth of his hand, it causes a shiver as the cold air nips your back more than before. 

“Can’t I just take a bit of time off to relax?” You ask quizzically.

The detective stops and crosses his arms at your question. You sigh as you see him giving an ‘are you serious’ look, You know he’s waiting for a response but the thought of having to admit something is wrong makes you itch with anxiety. The wall to your left seems to be mighty interesting suddenly.

“It’s nothing really.” You whisper.

He murmurs your name softly to draw your attention back to him. “Does it have anything to do with Ms. Garvin dropping you off this morning?”

You blink startled at his question but try to deflect again. “Detective Zimmerman, are you stalking me now?”

“Don’t make me take you to the interrogation rooms.” He says lowly.

You couldn’t help but chuckle. “I couldn’t get the Bronco to start this morning. Ms. Garvin was leaving around the same time to take her kids to school and offered me a ride in since she had to pass by. She said she’ll take me in tomorrow too.”

“But why the half day?”

“It’ll be too dark by the time I get home tonight, taking a half day tomorrow will give me some time to work on before it rains this weekend.”

“And why did you not,” He shakes his head at you before pinching the bridge of his nose and sighing. You’re almost certain that sigh came from the lowest depths of his soul. “Why did you not ask for help earlier?”

You can’t help but cringe at the tone of his voice. Women were so often thought of as pretty little house ornaments with no purpose other than bearing children, taking care of the house, and doing other wifely duties. While that is what some women want you loathed feeling like you were useless.

“Because I can fix my own car.” You say tersely.

“I know you probably can but-”

You crane your neck to shoot the tall man a glare. “Probably?” 

“I know you can repair just about anything in a house but cars are not your strong suit.” Flip holds up his hands to stop you as soon as you open your mouth. “It took me a week of working on your car to fix it last time -on what would have been a 40 minute job originally.”

Throwing your hands up in frustration you say, “I have to figure it out at some point! The two of you won’t be able to do it before too long.”

“What in the world do you mean by that?” Flip looks at you in confusion.

“Uncle Jimmy is getting older and his eyesight is getting worse every year.”

Flip cocks his head to the side. “And me?” He asked.

The question causes an uncomfortable churn in your stomach and you can’t help but cross your arms in front of you. It felt like a small form of protection in the moment. 

“At some point you’ll get into a relationship! Trust me when I say no girl wants their man working on another girl's car.”

“A relationship?” He stares at you as if you’ve grown two heads.

“Yes! Don’t you want to get married someday? I’ll have to figure it out before I’m suddenly SOL!”

Flip takes a few steps forward so he can hold onto the sides of your arms softly. “Look at me darlin’, please.” His warm brown eyes search yours for a moment. “I’ll be working on your car until I’m at least in my 80’s so don’t worry about that.”

Your shoulders slump in defeat at his sweet words. You knew it was better for him to do it but you also knew you couldn’t depend on him forever. At some point he would trade in his bachelor lifestyle and start to look at settling down. The thought of Flip with another woman makes your chest feel so tight.

“I’ll manage fine this time I swear, I think it should be a simple fix. It wasn’t the battery but maybe-”

He gently squeezes your arms to focus you back in. “I’ll bring you home tonight and tomorrow, because I already know you’re gonna say something silly about walking home by yourself. Since we’re wrapping up that last case I should be off by one or two tomorrow anyway.”

Dejectedly you give him a small nod before giving in. Flip Zimmerman was a stubborn man and you knew you were not winning this debate today. You really didn’t think your heart could take much more of him touching you today. They were simple touches between friends to him but no matter how much you tried to ignore it they set fire to your blood. He was one of the few people that didn’t send you into a fight or flight response.

“Good, now let’s get you back to your dark lair.”

By the time you get back Ron has already eaten his lunch and was just grabbing the last file. You knew it wouldn’t take that long for him to grab them since he has been doing so well, he picked everything up rather quickly.

“I’m sorry! I wasn’t anticipating that would take so long.”

“Don’t worry about it, I think it’s pretty neat you're taking care of your uncle.”

You can’t help but blush a little at his kind words. 

“He’s done a lot for me so I feel like it’s the least I could do. Sometimes he gets on my nerves though, especially when he comes over for dinner. For someone that can’t cook he’s got a lot to say.” You think about some of the times he’s given his ‘advice’ and chuckle.

Ron hands you half of the stack of files so you guys can start to sort them out. As much as you hate Landers you are a bit thankful that it seems to have opened this gateway with the rookie.

“Your husband doesn’t keep him out of the kitchen?” He asked curiously.

You shake your head quickly and wave a hand at him. “I’d have to have one to start with! His partner is at least helpful though when they’re both there.”

Ron sets down his folder to look at you in confusion. “Oh, I’m sorry. On my first day Chief Briggs told me not to step out of line because your husband and uncle worked here?” 

His confused statement takes you by surprise as your face lights up brighter than a firetruck. About a year ago you and Flip added each other as emergency contacts, purely because it made sense. Uncle Jimmy was both of your firsts, now you guys had a second. Ever since then he’s taken every opportunity to fuck with you two. Even claiming you needed to also update your papers to show your ‘new marriage status’ and congratulating you on ‘taming a man like Flip’.

“He and about half this office are off their rockers.” You lay your head on the desk to help cool it off a bit. You couldn’t believe he actually said that to Ron. You should glue his mouth shut one of these days.

He sits back grinning before asking, “That’s a lot to all have the same thought. Any merit behind it?”

Groaning, you sit up and rub your temple. “Don’t you start in with them too. I get enough bullshit out of them already. In all honesty everyone knows he knows he’s quite the ladies man, no way he’s giving up that lifestyle.”

“But have you ever thought about just going for it?” You give him a pointed look before picking your work back up, the man holds his hands up in surrender before doing the same. “Alright alright, I get it.”

You had thought of it many times over the few years you’ve known him, probably would give a kidney to a witch if she could make it a reality. Flip has always been so good to you but you knew he would never see you in that light. You could never do that to your uncle though, he and Flip had been partners for years. He trusted him more than anything and you could never ask him to jeopardize that. 

Your attention is drawn back to Ron as he lets out a small hum.

“You got any animals?” He asks.

“I actually have a cat, his name is Lint! I was never really planning on getting anything but things change. Sometimes I dog sit for Detective Zimmerman but I don’t think that counts. What about you?” 

“Nothing for me. How’d you end up naming your cat something like that?”

You give him an awkward smile and rub your neck. “He was given to me. Came up to my door and pulled this small grey little thing right out his pocket.”

“Like a piece of lint.” He surmised.

“Exactly! It just ended up sticking.” 

The two of you share a chuckle together.

“How often do you watch over the dog?”

“Whenever he’s working on a case and can’t do it. Most of the time he’s just with me for a night. Winston is a great dog though, real mellow black lab mutt.”

The two of you pass a few more questions back and forth over the next few hours. At some point Landers' partner came by himself to pick up the file Landers needed earlier. He was thankfully always much nicer than him, usually apologized for his partner later when he saw you out the record room.

Ron clears his throat before asking his next question

“Is, uh, Landers always like that? You said earlier he’s supposed to have a buddy when he comes?”

You stiffen at the question and chose your words carefully. “The way he acts sometimes just sets me off a bit.”

“I see.” He nods his head

“I’m not one to talk bad about someone but you should be wary of him. I’d say avoid him at all costs but that won’t really work in this case.”

“You know, earlier you reminded me of my sister a bit.”

You tilt your head and look at him confused. You’re not really sure how you and his sister could compare.

“She moved here a few months back. Certain things set her off like that sometimes too; a tone of voice, a movement too quick, most men.”

The last word makes you both nod in mutual understanding. He knew what earlier was because he’s helping manage it first hand.

“There’s some lingering effects but I think she’s getting the hang of it.”

“Well,” You start as you grab your small notepad “If she ever needs anyone to talk to I’m a good listener with… experience.” 

You tear the paper with your name and number on it and hand it to him. You offer him a small smile as he takes it, he looks at it for a second and pulls out his wallet to place it in.

If you could help someone in that situation you would. You really wouldn’t wish what you had gone through on your worst enemy. Every day you're thankful to your Uncle for getting you out of there.

You tap your pen on the folder twice before clearing your throat.

“We should be able to get done with these before the end of the day.”