Work Text:
You spot Grace in hallway, pacing back and forth. "Grace?" She didn't hear you. You step closer and touch her arm. She jumps. You immediately move your hand away. "Grace, I'm sorry." It's a soft whisper. She looks at you. Tears threatening to spill from her eyes. "What's wrong?" You look around as onlookers crowd you both. You grab her arm and pull her to an empty office before she could answer. "Hey. What happened?"
Grace shakes her head. She reaches up and rubs her eyes. "S-sorry…."
You hesitate for a split second but wrap your arms around her. "Hey, hey. It's okay." You rub her back, feeling her shake in your arms. "You can talk to me about it."
Grace slowly returns the embrace. It's soft but she tightens and rests against your shoulder. "It's something I have to do on my own."
You hum. "Do you? I'm here for you." You pull away and place your hands on her face. "Tell me what's going on?"
Grace looks at you; tears swirl in her eyes. "I—I-I…." She stutters. She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes.
"Breathe…." You whisper. "Is it work?" She nods. "Breathe again." Grace listens. "Good." You wipe a stray tear that escapes as she blinks. "Now, tell me."
"I-I h-have to go to Wrenwood." She hiccups.
"Shit." It's all you can say. "Shit!" You repeat. Your arms tighten around Grace again. She shivers against you. "What an absolute nightmare." You whisper in her ear. You rest your head on her shoulder. "I should talk to Dempsey. I'll go in your stead."
"N-no. It—It's my case." She pushes against you and steps back. She wipes her tears and sniffles. She takes a deep breath and holds it. "It's something I need to do."
"Facing your past and fears should be done on your own time. Not going into the field." You run your fingers through her hair, pushing it away from your face. "You're an analyst anyways. Not…. Not a field agent."
"It's still my case. Those mysterious bodies. That illness. I've been working on it for a while. If one is there." Grace manages to say without stuttering. She takes a few deep breaths. One final shudder sigh leaves her lips.
"Hey…. It'll be fine." You reach out towards Grace, she brushes your hand away. It stings. Her pushing away. "Grace."
She looks at you finally. "S-sorry." She uses her sleeve and wipes her face. "I should get my things."
"Grace." You grab her arm as she walks past.
"Pl-please. I'll be fine."
"Grace!" You pull her into your chest and hold her close. She still shivers against you. You feel tears soak through your shirt. "This is a big step…. Please. If you…."
"N-no. I can do it. I—I can." She grips your blazer tight. "I need—cough— I need to do this. I need to." She leans against you.
You remain silent and run your fingers through her hair. "Okay." You whisper. "Okay." You repeat. You hope she doesn't hear your heart. "I understand." You hold her until she calms down. "Let me come with you." You whisper. Soft. Delicate.
Grace shakes her head. "No. I'll be fine."
"Then, at least, keep in touch." You hold her hand. Both your hands are clammy and slick with sweat. You laugh out a small apology. "Keep me updated. Text me. And call me."
"That's too much. You have work."
"And I have to worry about you." You smile.
Grace returns the smile despite the tears rolling down her face.
You take your chance. Your opportunity. You lean forward. Your eyes close. Your lips press to hers. It's soft. Chaste. Quick. But she doesn't back away. You rest your forehead against hers. "Please be careful."
"I-I-I will."