Short Stories: Morgan Finds the Detective Asleep in Their Office [M!Morgan Version]

With a quick farewell glance around the lab, Morgan closes the door behind him. It's not the first time he's been the last to leave, nor will it be the last.

He brushes a strand of hair off his forehead, double-checking to ensure he hasn't forgotten anything. The entire department has been swamped with administrative tasks lately, adding extra responsibilities to his workload. And not only to his.

His gaze lands on the report he printed and brought along with him. He's planning to check in with the detective before he leaves. But If he were entirely honest with himself, he doesn't really have to do it.

The modern era offers conveniences. He could have simply emailed the report, and the detective would have signed off on it, sending the scanned version back. Yet, he chooses to handle everything in person, ensuring everything is in order.

Yes. To ensure everything's in order—not to use every opportunity he has to see the detective in person. Especially now, as he purposefully heads to the detective's office without knowing if they're still on shift.

One part of Morgan hopes to find the detective's office already empty, but the other, more truthful part, hopes the detective hasn't left, yearning to see them before he leaves.

The tension of not knowing immediately fades away as the light from the detective's slightly opened door catches his eye, which means one thing: the detective is still on shift.

Unconsciously, Morgan takes a steadying breath, though it brings no relief. Every step he takes faintly echoes in the dimly lit corridor.

When it comes to the detective, everything becomes… obscure. Experiencing emotions has always been challenging, especially for him— for the likes of him.

He halts just outside the door, his hesitation preventing him from knocking like he usually does. Instead, he slowly pushes the door open, a slight creak piercing the silence as he freezes at the scene that greets him.

He gazes upon the detective, slumped over their desk; their breathing is steady, their features softened by sleep.

Witnessing the detective in this vulnerable state awakens something within Morgan—something he can't fathom, something he always struggles to resist.

With cautious steps, he approaches the detective's desk, his heart slowly pounding in his chest as his eyes continue to absorb the sight in front of him.

From the moment they met, Morgan couldn't help but wonder… What is it about the detective that evokes his senses, destroying all the boundaries he's supposed to follow? It's as if he doesn't know that even if he acted on his interest, it wouldn't work out.

His body, as if protesting his thoughts, reaches out to the detective, his fingertips hovering near the detective's cheek before he reluctantly retreats. As he does, the urge to touch the detective becomes even stronger.

He turns away, his eyes scanning the office for the plaid he knows the detective always keeps around in case they need to stay on the job longer than usual.

Should he cover the detective? He wants to, but it might wake the detective up.

Morgan isn't sure what to do, so he simply stands there, hesitant to leave. When it comes to a detective, he always is. The detective always—

"Got you." The detective's hoarse voice cuts through his thoughts, and he turns to face them. The detective looks at him with a small but earnest smile.

"Detective," Morgan quietly murmurs, "You're awake… I—"

The detective shakes their head. "If only I caught criminals in the act just as easily, life would be so much easier."

Any answer Morgan could have mustered dies as the detective rises from the chair and straightens up to stretch. His eyes involuntarily trace the outline of the detective's body, and it takes considerable effort for him to avert his gaze.

"I'm sorry. Did I wake you?" he asks, placing the report on the desk, using this moment to pull himself together before turning his attention back to the detective.

The detective hums, their slightly drowsy appearance and the sound they make not helping him concentrate, but instead distracting him even further. He closes his eyes tiredly.

Hell, why does he struggle with his emotions, not his imagination?

"It's alright. I'm glad you're here," the detective says, their words causing Morgan to freeze, intensifying the effect they have on him, but the detective doesn't notice it. They move past him, grabbing a couple of folders off the desk and tucking them into a nearby shelf rack.

Returning to the table, the detective leans over its edge, shifting their attention to the report he brought. "Finished already?"

Morgan simply nods, watching the detective intently. "I didn't expect you to finish it today," the detective admits, looking up, only then noticing his attentive gaze. "Is everything alright?"

No.

"Yes," Morgan replies in a measured tone, his gaze drifting to the dark circles under the detective's eyes. "Are you planning to stay at the station overnight as well?"

There's a moment of silence before the detective responds, meeting his gaze with interest. "Why? Do I look that bad?" the detective asks, turning their attention back to the report without waiting for him to respond. But Morgan still does.

"You fell asleep sitting up," he notes flatly, noticing the detective's lips twitching in the smile they're trying to hide.

"That's a pretty bold claim, considering you don't have any evidence for it."

"Even if I had evidence, it's not like I'd use it against you," says Morgan while the detective's attention is focused on the report.

The slowly growing smile on the detective's face shows him that the detective acknowledged his response, but it's not enough. What he wants…

"Unless you want me to." The words come off his lips easily—too easily. The detective looks up, meeting his gaze, rewarding him with what he wants: their attention.

But it's still not enough.

"I'm… concerned," Morgan admits slowly. The longer their eyes hold each other, the stronger he can sense the connection, can sense… them. It's still not enough.

"If you're referring to work, don't worry. I can manage," the detective reassures, but their response makes Morgan a little taken aback until he realizes why the detective answered that way. He tightens his lips slightly.

He's aware of the rumors swirling around the detective. 'Too young for the position. They didn't earn their promotion rightfully'. All the words that aimed at labeling the detective's accomplishments as undeserved.

Did the detective really think I was referring to that?

The thought courses through his veins like poison, igniting desires beyond measure. "It's not your job that concerns me."

The detective's eyes widen slightly, but Morgan holds their gaze firmly. He struggles with his emotions, but his desires are clear. He knows what he wants.

"Name—"

"Name! I've got some news!" Klemens' voice comes from outside the door until he comes in, slicing through the tension, causing both Morgan and the detective to flinch simultaneously. "Oh." Klemens shifts his gaze between them.

"Finally…" The detective's weary voice fills the room as they approach Klemens, taking a clipboard from the paper he was holding and quickly flipping through the contents. Klemens smiles, and then his gaze settles on Morgan.

"I didn't realize you were still on shift, Morgan," Klemens remarks, his smile failing to reach his eyes.

Morgan instantly senses Klemens' protective stance towards the detective, recalling their earlier conversation about him, his situation, and everything that follows.

"I was just about to leave," Morgan replies, shifting his gaze back to the detective.

"Thank you for stopping by and for your assistance. I'll bring the report in the morning," the detective says with a grateful nod, the note of weariness in their voice only reinforcing Morgan's hesitation to leave.

"Good night, Name." The detective's gaze holds his, and it takes all his willpower to shift his gaze to Klemens, offering him a parting nod. "Detective Bergmann."

He walks past both detectives, quietly shutting the door behind him.

The dim light of the hallway contrasts with how bright and warm the detective's office is. It serves as another reminder for him of where he belongs and what he can't have, even if he tries.

Every step away from the detective brings Morgan back to his usual state of stillness. This is the only way it should be. Even if it's not enough.

Even if deep down, Morgan already knows: when it comes to the detective, it can never be enough.