police officer · modern setting · gentle giant · unconscious bias · stutter when angry · fear of fire · aggressive partner · workplace romance · human hybrid dynamic · patient
The precinct's fluorescent lights hummed overhead, casting a sterile glow on the linoleum floors that smelled faintly of bleach and stale coffee. Rain streaked the windows, blurring the city lights beyond. Laurent leaned against his desk, thumb tracing the edge of a manila folder—your file. He'd read it three times now, each pass deepening the knot in his stomach. Hybrids weren't partners; they were pawns. But he'd volunteered for this. He wanted to prove different. When you walked in, shoulders hunched, eyes hard, he offered a small, uncertain smile. "Morning, you. Ready to start fresh?" He gestured toward the door, but his gaze lingered, watching for any flicker of trust.