#agnes oconnor

[jeridandridge]

Agnes x Rookie media post

[jeridandridge]

Firsts

Rookie spends her first weekend away from Agnes and some admissions come to light.

Family fluff, Early Agnes x Rookie, LORE DROP. Yall wanna know Rookies first name?

Rookie is mine and @ragnarockz OC

“Sure you got everything?”

Rookie closes the trunk of her car and looks to Agnes with a soft smile. Reaching out she loosely wraps her arms around Agnes’ middle.

“I have everything. I wish I didn’t have to go. People having babies, how dare they.” Rookie teases leaning in to kiss her cheek.

This pulls a smile from Agnes.

In their little bubble Rookie melts into her… girlfriend? They hadn’t labeled what they were, but Rookie knew not to take Agnes’ affection and openness for granted.

“I’ll see you at work Monday, Kid.”

“Give me a kiss that’ll hold me over for three days.” Rookie purses her lips.

When Agnes leans in brushing her lips against Rookies, the younger woman deepens the kiss tracing Agnes’ bottom lip with her tongue and a content sigh. She knows if she doesn’t stop she’ll never get on the road in time. As Agnes’ hold on her hips tighten Rookie pulls away with a smile.

“Don’t miss me too much, babe.”

“Too late,” Agnes smiles moving to open the drivers door for her like she often did. Rookie hesitates for just a moment resting her hand on the door frame.

“This weekend is going to be hard for me,” she admits softly. Weeks before, she’d have been nervous to admit such a thing in fear that she would scare Agnes away. But now she knows these feelings are mutual. “I’ll text you when I get there.”

Agnes steps back allowing the younger woman to get into the car. When the door shuts and Rookie begins to back out of the long driveway Agnes sticks her hands in her pockets watching her go with a tight smile.

As Rookie backs out of the long driveway she can’t help but realize she’s never felt this way before about anyone. She never had the pull in her stomach, she was always excited to go home.

But that was Before Agnes.

As Rookie drives she turns up the radio in her old Grand Am and tries to think about the fun she’ll have this weekend with her family. She hadn’t seen Nana and Grampa since she moved to Westview three months ago, insisting she didn’t need the help because Bucky and her would be able to handle it.

The drive to her childhood home isn’t a long one, in about Forty five minutes Rookie finds herself pulling up the gravel drive way. A smile spreads across her lips when she sees the front and garage doors open. Before getting out she kills the engine and finds her discarded phone on the passenger seat sending Agnes a quick text.

Just pulled in! I’ll call you tonight 💙

Tucking her phone in her pocket she gets out and pulls her duffle bag from the trunk and heads for the front door. Going up the couple of steps Rookie opens the front door and steps in, smiling when she sees Nana on the couch.

“Kit!”

Setting her bag down, Rookie meets her Nana halfway and is pulled into a bone crushing hug. She’d almost been rattled by hearing her own name, something Agnes didn’t call her normally. She’s sure that in their three months of knowing each other she’s heard the older detective say or rather moan her actual name twice.

“I haven’t been away this long since what, college?” She chuckles taking in the warm hug from her Nana.

“That’s right and I’ll ask you the same questions now that I asked you then.” She pulls back rubbing her granddaughters arms. “You settled in? Are you eating enough? Have you met anyone special yet?”

Rookie ducks her head when an involuntary laugh escapes her lips. She felt like a high school kid with a crush again in that moment and not a thirty three year old woman. Someone special. That was Agnes O’Connor alright.

Nana’s eyes light up as she playfully hits Rookies shoulder. “So there is someone!”

Rookie rolls her eyes and tips her head back feigning annoyance before smiling like an idiot. “It’s very new, Nana. But yeah, she’s- she’s amazing.” How else would one describe Agnes O’Connor?

“Oh, Kit, I’m so happy to hear that.” Nana beams wrapping her arm around her shoulders. “Maybe keep that from Grampa for a while otherwise he’ll be investigating her making sure she’s alright for his best bud.”

Rookie laughs shaking her head. Nana had no idea Grampa was already aware of the Detective.

Hours later, Rookie lays in her childhood bedroom with the window open. Lying in the twin sized bed she sighs looking up at the old glow in the dark star stickers on her ceiling and the poster of James Dean on his motorcycle on the back of her closet door. The room smelled like laundry detergent and lilac, just as she remembered. Lying back against the pillows she sits in the dim lighting and scrolls on her phone. When her thumb hovers over Agnes’ name she hits the screen.

It rings for a moment before the camera shakily moves and a voice comes through.

“How do I work this damn thing?” Agnes grumbles to herself.

Rookie chuckles holding her own phone up right.

“Just hold it up, baby.”

Finally, her person comes into view with her hair back in her signature loose ponytail and her wire rimmed glasses.

“Hi there, Professor O’Connor.”

Agnes rolls her eyes adoringly as she settles in the bed that Rookie is already missing.

“You freak. How’s the family?”

“Everyone’s good. I may have buckled when Nana asked me if I was seeing anyone so she’s ecstatic.”

“Already in Nana’s good graces. I’ll take it.” The older woman smiles softly.

“Maybe next time there’s something going on you can come with me, I miss you already.” Rookie hums as casually as can be. It was so early on in their relationship, she didn’t even know of Agnes considered her to be her girlfriend, but damn did she want to bring Agnes to family events. “Anyway, how was your Friday night? Did you break the tv watching the game?” She teases.

Agnes shakes her head with a hum. She had certainly noticed Rookie’s admission of missing her. She felt it too. “Nope. The tv is safe, Babe. I missed you trying to keep up with what was going on and It was a shit game, thank you for asking. Please respect my privacy during this time.”

Rookie lets out a full laugh, her phone shaking in her palm. “I love you.”

Before she even realizes what she’s said for the first time and the anxiety can hit, Agnes’ smile is spreading across her lips as she looks at the camera.

“I love you too, Kid. You should rest up for your day tomorrow. I’ll talk to you in the morning?”

Rookie bites her bottom lip and nods, her giddiness making her wiggle her feet under the covers.

“Yeah, I mean yeah I’ll text you. If I’m drunk with my favorite cousins I can’t be held responsible for what I say okay?”

“Okay,” Agnes laughs. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Baby.”

Rookie ends the call with a smile and sets her phone on her chest. Yeah, she definitely felt like a high school kid.

[jeridandridge]

Agnes x Rookie media post

[jeridandridge]

Saint Agnes of Westview

In the aftermath of meeting Evanora, Rookie spends the morning looking for something special. CW: Nods to religious trauma

The days following the impromptu trip to the outskirts of Eastview have been more relaxing than Rookie expected. Each night Agnes’ hold on her got a little looser, not that she was complaining about her partners touch, but the anxiety seemed to ease after that long night of touches and affirmations that Rookie wanted to carve into the older woman’s heart.

The sun is out and the breeze is chilly this Saturday morning. Tossing on one of Agnes’ flannels and giving the excuse of running errands Rookie heads into town with one spot on her mind. When the young woman pulls into the strip mall she eyes the sign to the store with its beige background and blue writing.

Of course it’s blue.

When Rookie’s hand meets the metal door handle the bell alerts the small shop of a new presence and the smell of frankincense overwhelms her senses. She’s immediately taken back to those days in that small room with the old carpet and hard plastic chairs. It makes her stomach twist with anxiety and the memories of tantrums and foot stomping over going come flooding back to her.

Shaking herself out of her quick daze she puts on a polite smile and says hello to the woman behind the counter before asking where she can find the Saint pendants. As she’s lead to the display case she can’t help but feel the odd energy of gold and red holy item replicas clashing against the dark green carpet that looks like it hasn’t been touched since the ‘80s; all of it so out of place just like how she’s feeling.

When the older woman pulls out the trays of necklaces Rookie can’t help the soft smile that spreads across her lips as she runs her thumb over the sterling silver. Its raised edges and design on the medal feels nice under the pad of her thumb, the Chain dangling.

The indentation of the saint holding the lamb brings warmth to Rookie’s chest. The weight of it like an armor that can protect her love as long as she wears it close to her chest, to ward off any more evil that may want to harm Agnes.

“This is the one.”

[jeridandridge]

First Day

Detective Agnes O’Connor gets a new partner. An introduction to Officer Hale, aka Rookie.

Thank you @ragnarockz for loving Rookie as much as I do 🤍

CW: mentions of child abduction/death.

First Day

Agnes basically rips the door to the station off of its hinges as she walks in to start her day. The weekend had gone by so fast and this was just another start to a long week of work ahead of her. She gives a few quick nods to her coworkers and other officers that crowd around the foyer; talking about the shit they barbequed over the weekend and sports games they fell asleep to on the couch. Nothing out of the ordinary at Westview Police Station.

The young officer fresh in Westview from Trenton New Jersey walks through the precinct with confidence, head held high and her shoulders back as Lilia, the oldest detective shows her around. It’s like any other station, there are computers, people doing paperwork, and officers roaming about to get another coffee from the kitchen.

She couldn’t lie about being slightly nervous, she was. She was to be partnered with Agnes O’Connor for a time, a detective she respected greatly along with the other women that excelled in their field. So much so that she loses her train of thought for a moment when she sees the woman in the flesh.

“And here’s our last stop, Hale. O’Connor, the new kid.” Lilia leaves her with a soft squeeze to her shoulder.

Agnes barely had time to hang up her coat as the newbie walks in. Shit. She had totally forgot she was getting a brand new rookie partner today. That was today? What fucking day is it?

Agnes nods her head as she hangs up her jacket and sizes the rookie up in one look. She doesn't introduce herself; waits to see if the new girl has the balls to do so herself.

Hale stands relaxed, sizing up the detective for a quick moment. She knows by now how it’ll go: She’ll be referred to as a child, and have to fight her way up the ladder to gain this detective and everyone else’s trust. It’s something she was prepared to do.

“I’m a big admirer of your work.”

Agnes nods her head again as she tries to bite back a smile. She almost lets her resolve slip already. The new kid had a silver tongue.

"I sure hope you know what you're doing...I don't really get paid to babysit..."

“Wouldn’t be here if I didn’t, detective.” The younger brunette smiles politely. “I was sent the current case file last week, I assume we’ll be doing some questioning today.”

Agnes bites the inside of her cheek. The kid was on par. Probably more than on par. She was prepared; had done her homework and was willing to put in the work.

Agnes ignores her as she walks around her desk to take a seat at her chair. She goes through the papers on her desk; the files and the notes and can feel the new kid's eyes on her. Agnes glances up quickly before she grunts under her breath,

"You look like you have something else to say...Rookie..."

The young cop, now apparently ‘Rookie’ lets a puff of laughter out of her nose before she takes a seat in front of the desk, legs crossed but hands loose. She wouldn’t show nerves.

“Well, I have a theory if you care to hear it.”

"Shoot, kid...go for it. I'd love to hear the new perspective.."

Leaning forward Rookie meets the detective's eyes, completely locked in. “The weapon still hasn’t been found and we suspect the mother, yes? Well the father renovates houses all over town, including an apartment complex as we speak. I’d bet money the weapon is hidden in one of these recent renovations.” Rookie rattles off. She took her job seriously and examined everything thoroughly before her arrival, not wanting to miss a single detail or come off as sloppy.

If she could help solve a case within her first week at the station, maybe all of the other officers would give her a break. And maybe, just maybe, she’d have the respect of Agnes O’Connor.

Shit.

She was good. Really fucking good.

And Agnes wasn't going to tell her because the minute the new kid got any sort of praise, Agnes feared it would be over. They would lose their spark and get too comfortable and start making mistakes.

Mistakes led to even worse places.

"Yeah, well...we gotta look at all that and see if it's true or not...you know, actually detective work and actual evidence. Right now kid, that's just theory, ok?"

Quirking a brow Rookie lets an amused smile spread on her lips. Detective O’Connor was easy to read so far.

“You driving or am I?”

She huffs through her nose as she shoots another quick glance at her new partner,

"Me. I don't trust you with my truck."

“Ditto, I don't trust you with my motorcycle.” Rookie smiles sweetly standing up from the chair. This would be fun seeing Agnes out in the field. She wondered if this weird ‘new kid’ thing would last long.

The image of her new partner on a bike is almost too much already for Agnes to handle. She needs to get her head in the game and show off all this talk about being 'admired' for her work.

There was far too much at stake.

"Listen. You're stepping into new territory and I have to share mine. I get it. We're both at ends here and it's your first day as my new partner and my first day having a new partner. Remember why we're doing this and we'll be fine...deal?"

Agnes makes it a point to tap at the open file on her desk; the picture of the little girl captured right before her disappearance.

Rookies shoulders square again, her chin high as she studies the seasoned detective. “Believe me, detective. Every time I close my eyes I see her face. I’m ready to lock away the people that are responsible. Please don’t mistake my drive for new kid eagerness.”

Agnes shrugs it off as she slowly raises from her seat; moving away from her desk. She leans over to close the file before making her steps quick to grab her jacket off of the coat rack. She doesn't say a word to her partner. Doesn't need to.

She's a big girl, Agnes thinks to herself, she'll figure it out.

As Rookie follows Agnes she stays at her side, one hand in the pocket of her leather jacket with the other swinging at her side. When they get out back to the cruisers Rookie can’t help but chuckle at the truck she can only assume belongs to Agnes. She wondered if she drove a truck while off duty as well.

Agnes doesn't linger or fall back in her step as she unlocks the truck from the key fob in her pocket. She watches as Rookie diverges to the passenger side while she, the driver's. They get into the car at the same time.

Rookie settles into the passenger seat and pulls a pocket notebook from her jacket pocket, refreshing herself with the questions she’s prepared to ask if given the opportunity. As she does, she can’t help but strain her eyes to watch Agnes settle in and go out of the corner of her eye. The smell of faint pine and…. sea salt she thinks, engulfs her nose.

Agnes starts up the truck and let's it run for a little bit; fiddling with the knobs. She can feel Rookie's eyes on her.

"Do you got a question? I can feel your eyes on me, kid."

Rookie lifts her head putting her full attention on the detective. Caught.

“Nope,” she shakes her head. “Not right now anyway.”

Agnes' eyebrows raise in question but don't press. She starts up the truck and pulls out of the station parking lot.

"You can change the radio if you want..."

Accepting the invitation, Rookie reaches over and turns the dial to the alternative station, 90s grunge filling the space. The loud guitar and hard drumming always seemed to help her think.

“I hope you don’t like top 40 pop, Detective.” She jokes.

It's the first time the detective cracks a smile around the new hire as she shakes her head; pouting to hold back a smile.

"Not necessarily fond of top 40 pop, no."

“We’ll get along just fine then.” Rookie chuckles, going back to her notes just to have something to do other than look at the detective. Eyes roaming the page she sighs after a few minutes of comfortable silence.

“I know in my gut this asshole is helping his wife.”

Agnes relaxes into her seat the moment Rookie talks shop. Her mind instantly swapping over to work and not so much her own thoughts. She's grateful Rookie can at least read the room in that regard.

"You're most likely right...he comes across as someone who would do anything his wife says..."

Rookie mulls Agnes’ words over for a moment and thinks about all of the evidence and the missing pieces to the puzzle.

“I still think she’s alive,” she admits. “The mother is a beast but I don’t think the father would’ve had the guts to carry this out.” She says bitterly. These cases always made her angry, but that’s what made her good at solving them, she figured.

"We'll just have to wait and see, won't we?"

Agnes hated talking this way but she couldn't let Rookie's eagerness get ahead of them both. They needed their heads on straight if they were going to get anywhere in this case.

Rookie goes over the notes again and again in her head, feeling confident in her theory. She only hoped Agnes would trust her.

"Did you ask to be transferred to Westview?"

The detective broke the silence and she continued driving; her focus on the road ahead. She was curious but didn't want to appear overly excited. Base level things. Quick knowledge of the person she'd be working with now. Normal people questions towards a new coworker.

“Chief made me an offer I couldn’t say no to. Plus there wasn’t much happening where I was before.” Rookie explained. She left the part out about wanting to work under Agnes.

"Wonder how good that offer was...I should try and match it to match you," Agnes jokes as she puts her turn signal on. She hums absentmindedly to the song on the radio.

“would you believe me if I told you I just want to work with you?” Rookie shrugs with a smile, testing the waters. It was partly true after all.

Agnes bites her lower lip and tries to brush off the compliment. Rolling her eyes, she looks over at Rookie.

"Can't say that you'll like it much...not a lot of people want to work with me if given the option."

“I suspect a lot of those people were previously pencil pushing men that weren’t quite up to par, detective.” Rookie has to bite back a smile, toeing the line carefully.

"Huh..." Agnes huffs under her breath, nodding her head. Rookie was right, there were more men than women she worked with.

“So when we get in there, you lead I follow?”

Agnes seems the type to take action and control. She was the newbie after all, she’d follow along.

"If you're comfortable with that, sure..."

“Of course.” Rookie nods looking out of the window, realizing they’re close to the home of the still missing child.

"If you feel like you need to step in though, I promise I won't get offended."

Agnes made that point clear. They needed to solve this for the child involved and not for their own ego. Anything that could help aid her case was top priority.

“Thank you,” Rookie nods with a sincere smile. She wanted so desperately to solve this case within the month. The child was already missing for long enough.

Agnes gets back into the truck after forty five minutes or so of asking questions with her new partner. She had almost lost her cool twice. If it wasn't for Rookie stepping in, well...

Agnes waited for Rookie to get into the truck, waited for her to close her door before Agnes started,

"What the fuck..."

“I know.” Rookie signs leaning back into the seat for a moment. It was a lot to say the least. “Good thing I took more photos of the house because look at this,” she hands her phone over detailing a poorly done fresh paint job on one section of a wall in the kitchen.

Agnes barely glances at the photo before turning her head away to look out the window. She can feel the pounding in her head and chest; years of anger bubbling just under the surface.

“I’m gonna bury those assholes.” Rookie grumbles tucking her phone away. Glancing up she notes the detectives shift. Noted for a later time.

One thing Rookie knows after a single questioning is that Agnes O'Connor has a heart.

"We will… we just...have to be smart about it. Clean. Everything has to be done right."

Her voice comes out maybe a little harsher than she intended but the words she speaks are those she wished someone had said a long time ago.

“By the book is my game, Detective. At least in a professional setting.” Rookie nods along. She recognizes the tone, and knows Agnes is feeling all of the same complex emotions she is. “I’ll be staying late tonight.”

Agnes nods her head and lets out the tiniest sigh of relief.

She won't be alone, again, to work on another horrendous case involving young children.

"Good...we should get...food or something...coffee at least if we're going to stay back."

“You like Pizza?” Rookie asks, pulling her phone out to order a feast for what’s sure to be a long night.

"Do whores sweat in church?" Agnes huffs as she nods her head before jamming the key into the ignition to start the truck back up. They need to get out of here and fast. They had work to do.

“Can confirm.” Rookie laughs, a real laugh from her belly.

When they get back to the station Rookie tosses her jacket on a hook and rolls her shoulders and neck. The tension of clenching her jaw the entire time they questioned those parents was hitting her.

Agnes closes the office door behind them as she too takes off her jacket. Making her way around her desk to take a seat in her chair, she suddenly feels the weight of the day on her shoulders.

“What do you like to drink, detective?” Rookie asks, sitting not so gracefully in the chair this time, phone in her hand ready to order an early dinner and whatever else they might need.

"Whatever is cheap, usually...or on sale unless someone else is buying..." she huffs as she rolls her head back and forth, not yet ready to open the file on her desk right where she had left it.

Rookie chuckles running a hand through her hair, a tired habit. “I’ll add some different stuff and you can decide.” She taps at her phone for another minute then sets the device down, supplies on the way to the station.

Sitting in the chair, Rookie eyes her phone and the file. She wanted to open neither, but she knew they had something new. Something fresh no one had seen before.

Agnes doesn't budge. Doesn't reach forward to flip the file open, doesn't jiggle her mouse to get her computer out of sleep. She needs a breath; a single moment or two to collect herself.

And suddenly, her office feels crowded but not in a stuffy suffocating way. It feels full like it's meant for not just her.

"Sorry you had to come here and just get...fucking tossed into this mess," Agnes points at the file on her desk.

“I asked for it. It’s one of the few things I’m good at, chaotic puzzles.”

Rookie is the first one to break, reaching forward she pulls up the photo on her phone and emails it to herself before grabbing the file.

“And when we arrest these people, the first round is on me.” She shoots Agnes a confident smile.

"I'll keep that in mind," Agnes grunts as she watches the new kid reach forward to grab at the file. She has to stop herself from staring; the movement and angle too much for her to let sit in her minds eye.

"First round is on you, huh? Do you even know where you can get a decent drink in this town? You did just get here..."

“I may or may not have had a ‘welcome to town’ drink when I first got here.” Rookie hums before nibbling her bottom lip as she looks at the file again. Crime scene photos. Her favorite pieces of the puzzle usually.

"Oh?" Agnes tries her hardest to play bored but she can't help be intrigued. Welcomed by who?

"What are you looking for in those photos?"

“if the crime scene photographer saw what I saw.” She keeps her voice even, a little pleased at the inflection of Agnes’ voice at the mention of going out. “This wall,” she points at one of the printed pictures, “wasn’t damaged when the kid was supposedly kidnapped.”

"Right...that's what I was thinking..." Agnes chews on the inside of her cheek.

"I think this case just got worse...I don't think that kid is alive..."

Rookies head snaps up, eyes on the detective studying her facial expression. “You don’t?”

Reaching into her pocket she pulls out a pen to twirl between her fingers.

"The wall...like you said. Guilt, maybe...they don't want their kid too far...alive or dead. Could you sleep at night if your kid was in some field? Some pond?"

“If I were these people, I don’t think I could sleep at all.” She admits. Something else in the tone of the detectives voice has alarm bells going off in her head.

“Do you- you don’t think the kid is in the wall do you?”

Agnes shrugs her shoulders but doesn't shake her head 'no'. She's seen it all; too many horrific things in her time as a detective. She can't put anything past anyone anymore.

"It's not too far fetched of an idea..it was really patchy work...:

“I don’t disagree with that. But,” she shakes her head. “I can’t explain it yet. I’m gonna put in for another search warrant, if that’s alright with you.” She lifts her head up from the photo.

"Sure, if that's where you think this case is going..."

Rookie nods, pen moving across paper to make notes. “I want that wall cleaned and opened. I don’t think that little girl is there.”

Rookie nods, pen moving across paper to make notes. “I want that wall cleaned and opened. I don’t think that little girl is there.”

"I don't think it'll be too hard to get it checked out, not with that awful patchwork after the initial investigation..." Agnes lets her words hang in the air between them before she looks up; really looking at her new partner.

Rookie has her head in her notebook, the eyes of her superior on her makes her just a little unnerved. Look at all the evidence there, she hums.

“Two warrants detective. One for their home and one for that old industrial building the father closed on the day his daughter disappeared.”

Then, Rookie looks up meeting Agnes’ eyes.

"Can I ask you something?" Agnes' words come out slow; measured. Her gaze never falters or drifts. Her office seems to fade away around her.

“Go ahead, we’re partners now after all.” Rookie hums leaning back in the chair.

Agnes leans back in her chair and weighs her options in her mind. Completely blow this tiny level of trust between them or start swinging?

"Who took you out to the bar? Is there a husband I need to know about in case shit hits the fan?"

“God, I thought it was going to be a very serious question.” Rookie chuckles at the mere thought of a husband and the absurdity of it.

“A college friend of mine lives not too far from here so he met me in town. And no, no partners to alert of anything.” Rookie eyes the detective wondering if she could make her assumption known.

“Do you have someone at home, Detective?”

Agnes looks away; down at the top of her desk. She has nothing to hide. It's not like she has a ring on her finger.

"If you wanna count the family of raccoons that live in my garage, then sure..."

“A scary detective and some trash pandas. Good to know.” Rookie smiles, setting the file on her knee. “But I should see what the local dating pool has to offer. I doubt Westview has an influx of lesbians though.” She casts her eyes on the file trying to bite back a playful grin. She was going to push the detectives' buttons for that.

She pushes herself away from her desk and out of her chair. Pacing the space behind her desk, she feels like her mind is reeling.

Why?

"It's uh...rough waters out there...all the good ones have been scooped up. You might have to try Eastview..."

Black pen twirling between slim fingers Rookie quirks a brow watching the detective. “All of them, huh? I’ll have to keep that in mind.”

She sucks in her cheeks before she puffs out the breath she's been holding.

Agnes touches her forehead; rubs at the muscle to stop a headache from forming,

"I didn't say I was a good one, Kid..."

And there it was. Rookie lets a triumphant smile spread on her lips. “Guess I’ll have to come up with my own conclusion about that after a while.”

Agnes crosses her hands over her chest and stares down at her new partner. She was playing cute for now; trying to find something out to ease her suspicions. A lot of people had their suspicions about her and she usually proved them wrong. However, in this case...

"Back to the case..."

They work well into the night, and by the time rookie comes in the next day search warrants are ready to go. Bopping around the bullpen like a kid on Christmas the young cop finds her partner.

“Let’s roll, detective. I have two assholes to lock up this week.”

Rookie stands and the door with a proud grin, two coffees in hand.

Agnes can barely form a thought; sleep-laden still. She remembers having energy like that after a weekend, now? Not so much. She tries a half-smile but knows it comes out tired as she nods her head,

"Oh yeah? They liked what you presented to them that much?"

“I’m very persuasive when I need to be, Detective.” Rookie sets the coffee down on the desk. “I pleaded my case and they seemed to see the possibility there.”

Agnes mumbles a soft thank you as Rookie pushes the coffee towards her. She takes it into her hand and drinks; long and slow without another word passed between them. She was going to have to get used to all this energy bouncing around.

"Well, good...hopefully we get the outcome we need for that kid. I'd tell you you did a great job but...it's still too early for that."

“I wouldn’t want the praise before the case is closed.” Rookie smiles. Shoulders still back, eyes bright and ready because of the energy and adrenaline she’s feeling. She knows deep within her soul that they will find this child and lock up the guilty party, then, after it’s all done, Rookie can get the detective out for a drink and another game of twenty questions.

She has to close this case first and get that little girl home safe.

[jeridandridge]

Sunday Afternoons

Agnes meets the people that raised Rookie.

Thank you @ragnarockz as always

Sunday is always sacred in the O’Connor-Hale household. Rookie typically finds herself awake first, untangling herself from Agnes’ arms with a kiss to her cheek, then getting her legs free from the one year old pup, Henry, who still thinks he’s a lapdog and sleeps at the end of their bed. Teeth brushed and faced washed Rookie goes downstairs to start the coffee. Normally she’d make a full breakfast with Agnes at her side but today was different. It was special.

Special for Rookie because she finally gets to introduce her person to her grandparents, the people that raised her. She’d never brought anyone home, not even her college girlfriend. It wasn’t a matter of her grandparents not supporting her, quite the opposite, she didn’t want to jinx anything. Now almost a year in, Rookie is moved into the house and they share a dog. There was a gold band hidden in a box in their closet. Now was the time for more important meetings.

As the coffee brews Rookie stands in the sunbeam that comes through the kitchen window with her eyes closed, the smell of the coffee brewing bringing her comfort. She didn’t want to feel nervous about introducing the woman she loved to the people that raised her yet somehow it persisted. Her moment of meditation is interrupted when her long abandoned phone chimes on the counter. Reaching over rRookie smiles as she swipes the device open.

“Hi pumpkin!” Her Grandpa’s voice comes through the speaker, loving and clearly excited to see his granddaughter.

“Hi Grampa,” Rookie chuckles at the excited voice on the other end. “You know we’re headed your way in a few hours, what’s up?”

She hears shuffling around and a fridge door opening which pulls a chuckle from her.

“I need to know what your lady drinks. I’m stocking the fridge.”

“Same stuff as we do, Grampa. Should I bring anything for dinner?”

Rookie moves around the kitchen getting hers and Agnes’ coffee cups ready.

“No no, nothing. You two just get over here in one piece. I’ll see you later, Pumpkin.”

“Alright,” Rookie smiles, “see you later.”

Steaming coffee poured, Rookie goes back to their bedroom and sets the mugs down on the dresser. Henry, alert as ever, wags his tail from his spot at Agnes’ feet.

“Should we wake Daddy up?” She playfully whispers, climbing onto the bed and leaning over to kiss a groggy Agnes’ cheek.

“Baby, coffees ready.”

Agnes mumbles something Rookie can’t understand into her pillow and reaches out to pull Rookie back to her side. A yelp of a laugh escapes from the younger woman.

“You’re a menace, Agnes O’Connor.”

Rookie happily takes her spot in Agnes’ arms again, her lips finding her girlfriend's nose. Agnes’ eyes are finally open and a sleepy smile graces her lips. Henry sighs and hops off the bed trotting out the door. Agnes shakes her head with a laugh.

“He doesn’t like Mommy and Daddy cuddling.”

Rookie cranes her neck to kiss the dimple of Agnes’ chin.

“He’s heard much worse come from us. Cuddling shouldn’t scare him off.”

Agnes hums keeping her arm around Rookie.

“Guess I gotta get up, huh?”

“I’m afraid so. Don’t worry, Grampa has the beer in the fridge already.”

The younger woman knew her girlfriend had to be somewhat nervous, who wouldn’t be? Meeting the parents to a degree was always nerve wracking, and with Agnes’ own history with parents Rookie couldn’t blame her. She only hoped her girlfriend would feel the warmth and love in the house that she felt every time she visited.

Agnes kisses Rookie’s cheek before reluctantly letting her go and getting up.

“Thank god for small miracles.”

The two move around their bedroom with practiced ease, getting dressed and going over their plans for the day and stealing little touches as they move past each other.

When they’re fully ready and downstairs, Rookie twirls Agnes’ carabiner on her finger.

“Are you sure you don’t want to bring Henry as a very cute buffer?”

Agnes pats her pockets making sure she has her wallet and phone, eyes scanning the table for her keys.

“Where are the-“

Rookie hands the keys over with a smile. Agnes takes them with an eye roll and an adoring smile.

“He’ll be okay home alone for a couple of hours.” Agnes reasons, “Water dish is full, food timer is set, he’s got the new door to the back.”

Agnes goes through it all like a checklist and Rookie can only cross her arms with a smile.

“You’re right. Let’s go, babe.”

As the two leave Westview and head north Rookie scoots across the bench seat closer to her girlfriend who is white knuckling the steering wheel. Thigh to thigh Rookie wraps her arm around Agnes’ shoulders, the chill of the back windshield window on her sleeve sends a shiver up her spine. Leaning over she kisses her cheek.

Rookie had no reason to be nervous, she knows her grandparents will love Agnes, but that tiny fear still lingers in her gut. What if they didn’t? What if it was too much for Agnes? What if she realizes she didn’t want extra attachment?

“You’re thinking too loud.” Agnes breaks through the low hum of the radio playing.

Rookie sighs resting her hand on her girlfriend's thigh. She can see her knuckles returning to their normal color the further they go.

When they exit the highway and flow into the daily traffic of Rookie’s hometown the younger cop smiles.

“We should stop for ice cream on the way home.” Eyeing the old ice cream place with its still bright orange and cream colored bricks with its classic letter sign done by hand.

They pass the local police station and high school, before turning into a neighborhood with green grass and gravel driveways. When Rookie is done giving directions, the truck comes to a stop in the driveway. The engine hums and Rookie looks to her girlfriend with a smile before glancing at the open front door where Agnes’ gaze is locked.

Before Rookie can say anything, Nana, who Rookie is the carbon copy of, is at the front door waving at the two. Giving Agnes another smile she gets out of the truck and heads for her Nana. Agnes gets out following after her. On the porch music from the tv can be heard, a tell tale sign for Rookie that she’s home.

“Oh sweetheart it’s good to see you. And you must be the famous Agnes.” Nana smiles as she hugs her granddaughter tightly, only letting go to pull Agnes into a hug.

Rookie chuckles at the almost startled look on her girlfriend’s face. She knows that Agnes gives amazing hugs, and that she deserved to have more loved ones around to share the warmth. Agnes takes a moment to hug the smaller woman back, hands just hardly resting on her back.

“Thank you for having me for dinner.”

Nana lets go and begins ushering the two into the house.

“Oh Honey, we’ve been begging to meet you for months. I’ve been dying to know who my granddaughter’s been speaking so highly of.”

Rookie rolls her eyes adoringly when Agnes smirks.

“Careful, Nana. I don’t want her to get a big ego.”

“There’s my little girl!”

From the doorway to the kitchen Grampa beams moving to hug Rookie immediately. Even in their 70s Nana and Grampa are spry, still taking care of the house and doing the every day activities.

“And this, must be Detective O’Connor.”

Grampa sticks his hand out, a handshake and respect for the profession.

“It’s great to meet you, Sir.”

Agnes shakes his hand seeing the resemblance between him and Rookie much like she did Nana. It was spooky.

“Ah none of that,” he waves off the formality, “I’m David, this is my wife Maggie. I’m glad this troublemaker finally brought you over! You two get settled, I’ve got the grill going.”

“Uh oh, Agnes might follow you out, Grampa.” Rookie smiles.

“Yeah? I’ve got another apron. Let’s see what you got, Detective.” David beams, nodding for Agnes to follow him.

The older woman takes a step forward, gently squeezing Rookies hand as she walks by.

“They’re gonna be best friends within the hour.” Rookie says with a smug smile.

Maggie loops her arm with her granddaughter and pulls her to the kitchen. “They’re doing the cooking, I’ll pour the drinks.”

Rookie smiles moving around the cozy kitchen, drawings from her younger cousins’ kids and family photos covering it.

“Okay, Nana. Let’s get all of the questions done now.”

“How dare you!” Maggie playfully gasps. “I would never give my granddaughter the third degree about her girlfriend. Now, tell me how’s it going? Can I start planning a wedding yet?”

Rookie laughs pouring herself a glass of wine.

“It’s amazing. And not yet. We’re happy how we are.”

In truth, she’d been thinking about marriage, something she’d never given much thought to before. It was something she could only picture doing if it was Agnes beside her.

Glancing out the window a cheek aching smile spreads on Rookie’s face as she sees her Grampa and Agnes standing at the grill with beers in hand. Agnes is more relaxed, her jaw not tight and the hand that holds the beer bottle isn't in a death grip. As she stands there in the backyard she thinks this is something that could become a regular outing.

“Oh I know that look, Sweetheart. That’s love.”

Rookie can’t argue with her grandmother.

Outside, Agnes takes a swig of her beer as David shares an old story from the police force he was a part of for thirty five years.

“Sounds like something Rookie would do.” She smiles warmly.

David chuckles and flips one of the burgers.

“You know she loves that nickname. I haven't seen her like this ever. She’s never even brought a girlfriend home before.”

Agnes takes another drink and wipes the corner of her mouth to hide a smirk. Something about her being the very first makes her feel a sense of pride. Talking about herself, she wasn’t a fan of but talking about Rookie? She could do that for hours.

“I’m lucky to have her, Sir. Every day I know it.”

“It takes a good person to do what you do.” David nods, “I like ya already, Detective.”

Agnes swipes her thumb across the sweating beer bottle, chin dipped slightly due to the kind words. Clearing her throat she holds out her free hand.

“Mind if I take over, David?”

Not long later the four settle at the patio set, the evening sun casting the yard in a warm glow. plates of food and drinks spread out ready for dinner and the group chatters as they settle.

Rookie sits right next to Agnes, the arms of the chairs flush together as they dig into dinner. The two miss David winking at his wife, a silent conversation happening between the grandparents.

“I think I gotta pass the grill torch to Agnes from now on. These came out perfect.”

Rookie smiles wiping her lips with a napkin.

“That’s high praise, baby. You better take it.”

Agnes meets her girlfriend's smile with her own for what feels like the hundredth time that day. The fear and nerves she’d experienced that morning feel foreign now after just a few hours with Rookie’s family.

She could get used to this.

[jeridandridge]

I need a cigarette

[jeridandridge]

The fact that people love Rookie and love Rookie with Agnes makes my heart so happy. 🤍🤍