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

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

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

Her gaze lands on the report she printed and brought along with her. She's planning to check in with the detective before she leaves. But If she were entirely honest with herself, she doesn't really have to do it.

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

Yes. To ensure everything's in order—not to use every opportunity she has to see the detective in person. Especially now, as she 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 she leaves.

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

Unconsciously, Morgan takes a steadying breath, though it brings no relief. Every step she 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 her— for the likes of her.

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

She 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 she can't fathom, something she always struggles to resist.

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

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

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

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

Should she cover the detective? She wants to, but it might wake the detective up.

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

"Got you." The detective's hoarse voice cuts through her thoughts, and she turns to face them. The detective looks at her 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. Her eyes involuntarily trace the outline of the detective's body, and it takes considerable effort for her to avert her gaze.

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

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

Hell, why does she struggle with her emotions, not her 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 her, but the detective doesn't notice it. They move past her, 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 she 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 her attentive gaze. "Is everything alright?"

No.

"Yes," Morgan replies in a measured tone, her 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 her gaze with interest. "Why? Do I look that bad?" the detective asks, turning their attention back to the report without waiting for her to respond. But Morgan still does.

"You fell asleep sitting up," she 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 her that the detective acknowledged her response, but it's not enough. What she wants…

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

But it's still not enough.

"I'm… concerned," Morgan admits slowly. The longer their eyes hold each other, the stronger she 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 she realizes why the detective answered that way. She tightens her lips slightly.

She'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 her 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. She struggles with her emotions, but her desires are clear. She knows what she 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 her, her situation, and everything that follows.

"I was just about to leave," Morgan replies, shifting her 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 hers, and it takes all her willpower to shift her gaze to Klemens, offering him a parting nod. "Detective Bergmann."

She walks past both detectives, quietly shutting the door behind her.

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

Every step away from the detective brings Morgan back to her 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.