Summary/Request: Requested by anon: Could I request something where Jake Peralta comforts the overweight reader because she’s insecure about her weight? I was feeling okay about it but then the holidays and family happened.
Title: Late For the Date Character: Jake Peralta A/n: It was a lot harder than I thought to manage school and this because i can no longer procrastinate writing during the day and then just stay up till 2am to finish a story.
In retrospect, it might have been a bad idea to invite you over to Jake’s place for the date. The whole building was unpredictable and he legitimately had nothing planned.
Jake slumped down in his seat, hands dragging down his face as he tried to formulate an idea in his head.
That or which persona he would take up when he inevitably makes a total and complete fool of himself in front of you therefore causing him to flee the country and herd goats to avoid the shame.
It’s just that he was so attracted to you, that sometimes he didn’t even know what he was saying to you half the time. He hadn’t felt that way about anyone in what felt like forever. Jake wanted to do this date right, and not halfass it like he did with everything else.
“Hey, Cassanova,” Gina said as she gracefully plopped into the seat next to his desk. “Little bird told me you managed to snag a date with (Y/n).”
“Is this little bird Charles?”
Gina laughed while her and Charles exchanged a quick glance at each other. “Maybe, anways tell me all the details of what you have planned.”
Jake huffed. “Funny you mention that, cause I got nothing.”
“That’s surprising coming from you. You’re usually the top guy when it comes to setting up dates.”
“That’s just it though, all my previous dates have been total flops. And I really want this one to work out,” He said, casting her a hopeful glance. “Any ideas?”
“Oh, you want a full on thing? Then no, I cannot be of help to you. But, Amy and her are good friends, so trying asking her,” Gina said, standing up and stretching. “But I mean if things don’t work out, send her my way.”
Jake only nodded, too distracted by his thoughts but when he did his head shot up. “Wait, what’s that supposed to mean?!”
•
To say it was chaos in the Peralta apartment would be a drastic understatement for the situation at hand. He had been taking better care of the apartment, but now it felt like every little thing was out of place and had to be taken care of asap.
God, is this how Santiago felt all the time?
That poor woman.
Jake pulled up his sleeve to check the time and saw that be still had an hour left before you were gonna arrive.
After his small discussion with Amy, he was fairly certain that the date would be pretty good. He learned that grand or extravagant gestures tend to make you uncomfortable, and if he treated this like a more casual hang out then you would enjoy yourself a lot more.
That was Jake’s main goal for the evening, to make you comfortable around him so you both could enjoy yourselves.
With everything done all he had to do was sit and wait for you to show up.
•
Jake checked his watch for the fifth time in the span of a three minutes. His knees jolted up and down nervously as he continued to glance at the door of his apartment, barely listening to the silly sitcom he had playing on the television.
You were almost twenty minutes late, something very unusual since Amy and Captain Holt would boast about your punctuality to him, in hopes something might rub off on him.
Another ten minutes passed and Jake tried not to let the hurt settle in, there weren’t any messages from you and if it was something serious he knew you would have called.
Jake let out a deep sigh and went to turn off the television when there were a few frantic knocks at the door.
His whole heart jumped at the sound and he tried to not seem too eager as he went to open the door. Taking a small moment to clear his throat and smoothen out his hair, Jake finally opened it.
“I am so sorry!” You said with a large huff. “So much was happening, I got lost in a bit of my work and then my aunt called me just as I was about to leave and the woman can talk for ages.”
Jake couldn’t keep back the smile, he was just so happy to see you and that he could avoid the potential heartbreak over you standing him up.
“It’s totally cool,” Jake said, trying to seem nonchalant while his heart felt like it was ready to hop out of his chest and take off screaming. “I mean I don’t have any aunts but I can imagine they would be delightful ladies who would talk to me a ton too.”
Jake brought you inside his apartment and gave you a small tour of where everything was. “Bathroom’s on the second door to the left if ya need it and bedroom is the last door of the hall if you need a quiet place to have a mental breakdown like I do twice a day.”
Jake’s ears perked up whenever you laughed and he noticed you open up your bag to pull something out.
“First of all, I wanted to say thank you for being so sweet about me being unbearably late for our date,” You then took out a paper bag and held it out to him, Jake couldn’t help but smile at the brightly colored chalk that stained your hands. “Secondly, I got this for you because I felt really bad about it.”
Jake feigned a suspicious look as he opened the bag and looked inside. “It’s an everything bagel!” He said with a happy laugh as he unwrapped it. “Look! It even has beef jerky! Where did you get this at?”
You gave him a wink and tapped the side of your nose. “I know a guy, makes anything I ask him to really. And I remember you talking about wanting one so I thought it would make up for me.”
Jake’s whole system was being overflooded with pleasant affection for you that he couldn’t help but lean over and give you a big hug.
Though when he realized what he did he almost dropped the bagel. “I’m sorry, that was really awkward and I dunno how comfortable you are with that kind of stuff.”
You smiled at him and shook your head. “No it’s fine, I thought it was pretty cute.”
Jake set the food aside and helped you out of your coat. “Now the date can officially begin!”
•
You stiffled a laugh as you reached out to move Jake’s head back to it’s former position. “Jake Peralta, if you’re going to be my muse then you have to sit still.”
After watching a couple comedies and spending a good few of hours just talking and exchanging funny stories while the two of enjoyed each other’s company. Then you finally managed to convince Jake to let you draw him.
Trouble was, he kept making silly faces or intentionally moving poses to try and get a reaction out of you. “I’m your muse? I’m not an overly kinky man, but I must say, I do like the sound of that.”
You shot him a look and pushed on his shoulder so he’s stumble out of his weird position on the couch. “Hush up, you’re distracting me from my art.”
Jake placed his chin in his hand and watched your hands float around the sketchbook and how your eyes would quickly switch between his face and the page. “You’re incredibly attractive like this, did you know that?”
You smiled, still keeping your gaze on the paper. “Why Mr. Peralta, you are quite foward.”
Jake chuckled, tilting his head ever slightly. “It’s true, Gina was telling me about the whole attractive artist thing and I gotta say that I’m into it.”
“Guess that’s lucky for me then.” You said, smudging one part of his shirt while you debated what to do next, missing Jake’s content sigh while he watched you.
“Just a bit more,” You said, taking one last glance up at him and then tossing your pencil aside. “Done!”
Jake eagerly waited for you to flip the sketchbook over but when you didn’t he raised an eyebrow. “Well? Aren’t you gonna show me?”
“Should I?” You asked, placing it close to your chest so it was totally concealed. “I don’t think you’ve earned it.”
“Not fair! I am the best muse an artist could have!” He argued, trying to steal the book away from you.
“Lemme see!”
“Nah, I don’t feel like it.”
“(Y/n)!”
Jake started tickling your sides. “Show me! Let me gaze upon my beautiful face!” His laughter mixing with yours whenever you tried to swat him away.
“Fine! Fine!” You wheezed, pushing him off of you enough to plop the page onto his lap.
“Aw man,” Jake said as he held the picture close to him. “I look absolutely dreadful, is this what I look like all the time because I should really work on that.”
You nudged him. “Shut up, you’re not that bad.”
Jake wiggled his eyebrows. “(Y/n), are you trying to tell me that I’m pretty.”
“Would you mind if I was?”
Jake blushed, and cleared his throat. “N-Not at all.”
You leaned against him. “Well you’re pretty handsome, Peralta.”
Jake looked down at you and smiled. “You’re not too bad yourself.”
“Thank you, I try my best,” You said with a smile, leaning over to look at the clock on the microwave. “Oh wow, I think I should be heading home.” You announced, rolling off the coach and springing to your feet.
He stood up, handing you your sketchbook and helping you retrieve your things. “You’re leaving me so soon?” He asked once the two of you were at the door. “I didn’t get to turn my charm on.”
You smiled over your shoulder while putting your coat on. “I think you were charming enough, besides if I hang around you too much I’ll lose the allure.”
Jake leaned against the doorframe while you finished getting situated. “Well, you’re welcome at my place any time. I’d be happy to have you over again.”
“I might take you up on that offer, Detective Peralta,” You said, smiling whenever he chuckled. “Anyways, thank you for a very fun evening.”
“It was fun for me too. Definitely ranks pretty high on my best date list.” Jake said, your gazes meeting briefly as he decided weither or not to kiss your goodnight.
“I’ll see you later then.” You said before he could make up his mind.
“Goodnight, let me know when you get home safe.” Jake told you, awkwardly shaking your hand.
You smiled and nodded before turning around for breif second, then quickly facing him again, lightly tugging on the front of his shirt to give him a small kiss on his cheek.
“Will do.” You said, letting him go and walking down the hallway.
Jake leaned over the doorframe to make sure you were gone before fist bumping the air and closing the door.
Jake leaned back in his desk chair, arms folded across his chest as a small pout took up his face. His gaze was cemented to your desk where you and Amy were having a conversation and laughing. His eyes narrowed and he pulled a face at Amy, who looked at him with a knowing smile before turning back to you.
After the first successful coversation over coffee, Jake had tried to do so again for the past week. But everytime he even thought about moving to the kitchen, Amy would rush past him, two coffee cups already in her hands so he couldn’t get to you.
“I hate that woman.” Jake mumbled to himself, nearly having a heart attack when Charles came rolling up in his chair behind him.
“Oh, so the romancing didn’t go too well?” He asked, observing the two ladies chat about something with happy faces. “I mean hey, you’ll find someone eventually, and at least Amy gets a friend.”
Jake swiveled his chair around. “What? No? I was talking about Santiago. I’m still trying to win over (Y/n).” His brows knitted together as he tried to scheme up a plan.
Charles nodded. “Huh, well didn’t you get her number? What did you learn about her?”
Jake sighed, casting his eyes down at his hands. “Not much, just that she’s kind of,” He paused, looking up at you mid laugh while he smiled. “Wonderful.”
Charles moved closer to him. “Really? Tell me about her?” He encouraged, practically bouncing in his seat at the prospect of his best friend having a crush on someone.
Jake turned around so he was facing him. “For one, she’s a total movie nut, we had an intense three hour debate on which Die Hard movie was best. She’s not that into sports but she let me rant about the Mets game.” He went on a small tangent about the fun conversations the two of you had been having over the phone for the past week.
He only broke off when he saw Charles looking at him with a weird expression on his face. “What? Why are you giving me that look. It’s getting creepy.”
Charles just sighed. “Nothing, so are you gonna ask her out?”
“I’d like to but,” Jake lazily pointed to Amy. “Santiago’s been keeping her from me, and I wanted to ask in person.”
Charles ears perked up and he straightened his tie. “My time has come, I got you covered, buddy.”
Jake was about to ask him what he meant but Charles had already abandoned his chair and walked over to the two of you.
Whatever he said to Amy must have worked because in an instant she was grabbing her jacket and was out of the door.
Charles looked back at Jake and gave him a dramatic wink along with a thumbs up before leaving you alone at your desk.
Jake watched you work for a moment, suddenly feeling very warm and nervous now that he no longer had an excuse to not ask you out.
He stood up from his chair, walking over to your desk and cracking his knuckles to try and distract himself before he totally psyched himself out of asking you.
“(Y/n)! Hey! Long time, no see.” Jake said, plopping into the chair beside your desk with a smile.
You looked up from your work and gave him a puzzled smile. “What do you mean? I said hello to you when I saw you this morning.”
Jake laughed nervously. “Haha, yeah. What I actually meant to say was that,” His mind was running a total blank like it usually did around you. “Santiago left pretty suddenly huh? That was super weird.”
You laughed, pulling out your drawyer and revealing a collection of dozens of pencils tied together in different piles. “I know right? Apparently there was some kind of technical situation at her apartment and she had to step out.”
Jake reaching into your drawyer, pulling out one of the wads of pencils and observing them. “How come you have so many of these little dudes? Don’t they all do the same thing.”
You gave him a smile and shook your head. “I guess you could say that, but certain pencils are more sheer while others come off darker, some of them have different variations in line shape,” You noticed he had a confused expression on his face and you chuckled. “And you don’t really care about any of this, do you?”
“No! I think it’s kind of cool,” Jake said, taking one of the pencils out of the stack and twirling it in his hands. “I think anything that comes out of your mouth sounds cool,” He instantly looked up at you. “And that definitely sounded less weird in my head.”
“Thank you regardless,” You said, starting another draft of a criminal sketch for a recent statement a witness gave you. “It’s nice to have a conversation with you in person for a change, I feel like all we really do is text one another.”
Jake perked up, accidentally dropping the pencil onto the ground. “Yeah! I totally agree, which is actually what I wanted to come over and talk to you about,” He picked the pencil off the groun and started fidgeting with it. “I thought since it was Friday, you might wanna come over to my place after work.”
You smudged off a bit of your picture and then smiled at him before taking your pencil back. “I don’t think I’m busy, but yeah I’d love to.”
Jake clapped his hands loudly. “Great! Sounds like a plan.” He was mentally congratulating himself for a successful task completed as he went back to his desk.
“Uh, Jake,” You called back to him.
“Yeah?”
“I kinda, have to know where you live to go there.”
Jake’s brows shot up. “Oh! Yeah! That would be helpful wouldn’t it?” He dug into his jacket pockets and pulled a slip of paper out of one, grabbing a pen and scribbling his address. “Come around 8:30?”
You took the paper. “Works for me.”
•
“How’d it go? I could only read your facial expressions but it looked fine.” Charles asked whenever Jake pulled him into the locked room.
Jake scratched the back of his head and resisted the urge to start pacing. “I mean I think? She’s coming around my place later tonight.”
“That’s great!” Charles said with a happy clap of his hands. “You know, if this ends up going well I call dibs on being the Best Man at your wedding.”
Jake shook his head. “Let’s think about the present right now, if we’re being honest here, I have no idea what I’m doing.”
“It’s just a date isn’t it? Just do what you usually do.”
That was when Jake remembered something about your conversation. “I never specified that it was a date.”
“What do you mean?”
“I just asked if she wanted to hang out at my place” Jake said with a groan, placing his hands on his head.
“Oh that’s bad,” Charles said with knit brows. “That’s really bad, I don’t even think I’ve done that.”
“Thanks for the support, Charles, I really appreciate it.”
“It’s okay! It’s a simple fix, just go clarify it to her now!”
Jake swallowed, and his hands suddenly felt very clammy. “Yeah,” He said with a totally unintentional voice crack. “Yeah, I can do that.”
Charles clapped a hand on Jake’s shoulder. “I believe in ya, buddy.” He encouraged before leaving the locker room.
•
Jake tried.
He really did.
But anytime he would come up to you again, he’d open his mouth and nothing would come out.
It was like his body was telling him not to do it, because then you’d probably call off the whole thing.
You didn’t have to stay at the precinct as long as the detectives did on Fridays, so when you started putting on your coat and packing up your things, Jake started to panic.
Amy looked over computer at him. “Hey, you don’t look to great? Something wrong?”
Jake was about to think of some elaborate excuse when you came up to their desks.
“Hey Amy, how’s your apartment?”
“Funny thing, I went over to check and the maintenance guy said everything was totally normal. I tried asking Charles about it but his eyes bugged out and then he ran away.”
You tilted your head. “Weird,” You went to say something to Jake, but you noticed he looked a little sick. “Jake, are you alright? If you’re not feeling well we can just reschedule our date.”
The color instantly returned to his face and he sat up straight in his chair. “Date?”
“Oh, is that not what it is?”
Jake saw the minor disappointment in your eyes and he could have broken out into song. “I would absolutely not mind it being a date.”
You smiled. “Good, after all, you still owe me a portrait. I’ll see you later.” You said with a wink before walking away.
Amy looked over at Jake. “Did you just wheeze?”
Jake, who was watching you walk away with the most dazed look on his face, turned back to Amy. “That is definitely a possibility.”
“Hey, you wanted to see me.” Charles said as he closed the door to the interrogation room.
“Yes I did!” Jake said, ushering him into the room, making him sit down at the chair on the other side of the metal table. “You see the new sketch artist?”
“Yeah, she complimented my sweater,” He said with a proud grin, straightening out his tie. “She seems nice.”
“Perfect, you and I have a new case to work on then.”
“Really? What is it?”
“Operation: Get The New Girl To Fall Madly In Love With Me.” Jake said with a smile, placing his hands on his hips.
Charles scrunched up his face. “That’s a mouthful.”
“Yes it is. I’m still working on names,” Jake admitted with a clap of his hands. “But! You are the go-to guy when it comes to emotions seeing as I would rather literally deal with anything else.”
“You have a point,” Charles leaned back into his chair. “(Y/n) hasn’t even been here an entire day yet, don’t you want to get to know her first before you try romancing her?”
Jake’s eyebrows lifted ever so slightly. “Oh, so like, stake her out, get to know her backstory and, then charm the heck out of her.”
“I mean you could certainly try-” Charles was interrupted by the sound of the door opening and saw Jake already halfway out the door.
“You’re the best!”
•
Jake peered across the office space to see you sitting at your desk, flipping through a large sketch book and twirling a pencil in your hands.
“Peralta, please stop staring at the new girl.” Amy said, giving him a look over her monior.
“Can’t help it, her hair looks good pulled back.”
Amy’s brows furrowed. “I wear my hair back all the time and you and Gina always tease me about it.”
Jake turned to her and frowned. “Yeah well, when you do it it makes you look a single, suburban, business mother of three,” He focused back onto you. “Her’s looks cooler, in that mysterious artist kind of way.”
Amy glanced over at you and then back to him. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re literally insane.”
“No, he’s got a point,” Gina said, appearing behind Amy. “The loose and messy bun look is a signature for attractive artists.”
Amy whirled around with a quizzical expression. “And you know that because…?”
“I spend a lot of time at the Starbucks down the road, her type is all over that place,” She said with a shrug while giving you a piercing stare. “But it’s a good look.”
“Alright, I’m gonna leave now.” Amy said, only for Gina to slide into her chair once she was out of view.
“How’s the whole seducing thing going?”
Jake looked at her and raised a brow. “Since when do you care about my love life?”
“Since my phone died half an hour ago and I’ll take anything at this point.”
Jake nodded, an idea forming in his head. “Think you could get some information out of (Y/n) for me?”
“For free? No,” Gina said before seeing the dejected look on Jake’s face. “But I do know that a good way to start a conversation with her is to try making her a cup of coffee.”
A smile spead across Jake’s face as he stood up from his chair, moving slightly to kiss Gina on the forehead. “You’re an angel, and I owe you one.”
“Yes, yes you do.”
•
Jake held two freshly poured coffee cups in his hands and a couple packets of half cream and sugar in his jacket pockets, keeping his gaze on you as he started to walk towards your desk.
“Hey, (Y/n)!” Jake said with an enthusiastic smile as he strolled up to you. “Saw you working super hard and thought you might like some coffee.”
You looked up at the coffee and set down your pencils. “Oh thank you,” You took the warm cardboard cup and set it safely out of sight from your work. “Jake Peralta, right?”
Jake smiled when he met your gaze. “Look at that! You remembered my name, we’re practically soul mates,” He mused, fishing the cream and sugar from his pockets.
“Do you take cream?”
“Yes, please.” You said, holding the cup out for him while he poured it in.
“Sugar?”
“No.”
“Boyfriend?”
“Yes.”
Jake’s head shot straight up when you gave your answers. “No!“ He shouted before seeing the confused look you gave him.”…Is the answer you were actually going to say?” He covered with a nervous wheeze. “I mean you can’t have a boyfriend.”
“I can’t?” You asked, brows knitting together. “Do I not look I could get a boyfriend?”
“No!” Jake stuttered, setting down the coffee. “Wait, no, not what I meant. You’re totally gorgeous, it was just…unexpected.”
You look one look at his flushed cheeks and you couldn’t help but chuckle a little. “I suppose it doesn’t matter, because I was just messing with you. I’m not seeing anyone.”
Jake unintentionally let out a sigh of relief before the charm turned back on. “Good, I was worried I’d have to compete for your attention.”
You gave him a small smile, taking your coffee and sipping from it. “You’re a funny man, Peralta.”
He got a little sidetracked by the smile you gave him until he realized he was just excessively staring at you. Quick to recover he took hold of your sketchbook. “Look art stuff, that’s fun!”
Jake was about to say another pickup line but he caught sight of some of your drawings and his train of thought went out the window. “Oh wow,” He commented, continuing to flip through countless portraits. “These are beautiful.”
You snorted. “Funny thing to say about criminal sketches.”
Jake looked over at you and laughed. “No, I know. It’s just the last guy wasn’t even this good.”
“Well thank you,” You said, giving him another smile when he looked up at you. “Maybe I can draw you sometime.”
He was about to happily agree when Holt came out of his office. “Peralta! Quit fraternizing and get in here, you have a case.”
“Can I take a rain check on that?” Jake asked, smiling to himself when you nodded.
“Sounds good to me.” You said, taking back your sketch book from him.
“I’ll totally text you.”
“You don’t have my number.”
“Oh yeah,” Jake said, pretending to ponder before giving you a dramatic look. “Hey! Why don’t we fix that?”
Title: Newest Addition Character: Jake Peralta A/n: This’ll most likely turn into a series because I like the idea a lot, lemme know if you’d be interested. Also, cop jargon is not my strong suit, apologies.
•
You mentally went over your introduction for the hundredth time that morning, not wanting to mess up your first day on the job. Your grip on your shoulder bag tightened and loosened as you tried to shake off the nerves. You were fully confident in your skills as a sketch artist, but new people in unknown situations always made you jumpy.
You pulled open the door of the 99th precint and slowly peered inside, seeing a bunch of people sauntering around the office space as they carried piles of papers or coffee mugs.
You looked down at a small stick-it note you had written all of your information on, but you had no idea where to go from there.
“Hello, can I help you something?” You looked up at saw a smiling woman with dark hair pulled back into a bun standing in front of you.
“Yes! Hi, I’m looking for Captain Ray Holt? It’s my first day and I’m supposed to inform him first thing.”
“Oh, you must be the new sketch artist!” She said, holding her hand out for you to shake. “I’m Detective Amy Santiago.”
“(Y/f/n), it’s very nice to meet you, Amy,” You said noticing her firm hold on your hand. “So, are you like the top dog around here?”
Amy’s eyes got a certan glint to them and she stood up taller as she smoothed her brightly colored blouse. “Why yes, it’s been proven to be true, aside from Captain Holt, of course. Lemme take you to his office.”
•
“Well, well,” Amy said, noticing Jake walking in through the front doors. “Look who’s late again.”
“For your information, Santiago,” Jake said as he dropped a bag onto his desk. “I stopped to get food after catching a perp trying to tear up a parking ticket.”
Amy gave him a look before starting the first case report of the day. “Regardless, I got to see the new member first.”
Jake frowned. “Aw, what! They’re here already?”
Amy looked up from her monitor proudly. “Yes, she seems very nice.”
“Is she cute?”
“Shut up.”
“Attention everyone!” Captain Holt announced, extending his hand out to you. “This is (Y/n), she’s out newest sketch artist. Please make her feel welcome.”
Jake took one glance at you and got the biggest smile on his face. “Score! She’s super cute!”
Amy scolded him. “And you are staying far away from her.”
“That is totally not happening.”
“Now, we have busy day today but if someone would be willing to show (Y/n) the ropes, it would be most appreciated.”
Amy was about to stand up, but Jake had already sprinted up to the two of you.
“I’ve got this,” Jake said as he gave you a charming smile and extended a hand to you. “Jake Peralta, best detective in the building, certified badass and available.”
Holt rolled his eyes. “Detective, please refrain from flirting with new members. We don’t want to scare them off.”
You laughed and shook his hand. “I don’t mind, I found it funny.”
Jake smiled and linked his arm with yours. “I like you already.”
•
“This is the interrogation room, depending on the case, you’ll probably do most of your work in here, getting descriptions from witnesses the works.” Jake explained, hopping up on the metal table.
You nodded, looking around the bare room. “What happened to the last sketch artist.”
“You know what, I don’t really know. He called in sick a couple times and then just stopped showing up altogether,” Jake hopped down from the table and looked around discreetly before leaning close to you. “Between you and me though, I think he’s working for the fire department now.”
“Fire department?”
“Shh, we don’t speak of them in this sanctuary,” Jake said as he folded his arms. “But enough about that, I’m very curious about you, Miss (Y/n).”
You shrugged. “What do you want to know?”
“Psh, just the usual protocol questions. What’s your star sign? Favorite color? Do you have a boyfriend? Girlfriend? Opinions on the movie ‘Die Hard’?”
You laughed, brows scrunching together as you tried to think of all the answers. But a knock on the door interrupted your thought process.
“(L/n), Sergeant Terry has a witness for you.” Gina said as she leaned against the door.
“Oh, thank you,” You told her with a smile before turning back to Jake. “Perhaps another time?”
“Sure!” Jake said watching you leave the room before he leaned back into the table. “Gina! We were having a moment!”
“She’s literally been here not even a full day and you’re already trying to bone her.” She observed before shrugging. “I can respect that.”
“Am not!” Jake said with an appalled expression. “I just happen to find her very attractive and interesting.”
“Great, so you have a thing for the new chick. Can’t wait to live tweet this.” Gina replied, already typing away on her phone before leaving the doorway.
Jake turned around for half a second before Santiago marched into the room. “What’s this I hear about you trying to seduce the sketch artist!”
“Man, that woman is fast,” Jake said but shook his head. “So what if I am?”
“No, no. There’s finally another woman on this team that seems nice and sane and I will not let you ruin her with one of your lame one night stand dates!” Amy said, folding her arms as she frowned at him.
“Why does everyone keep saying that?”
“Because your Jake Peralta, when was your last serious relationship?”
“A fair point, but still hurtful!” Jake said before sighing. “I can be nice too!”
“Just leave her alone, Peralta. She’s out of your league anyways.” Amy said, giving him another disapproving look before leaving the interrogation room.
“I can, and I’ll prove it!” Jake said before pulling out his phone and dialing a number. “Boyle, meet me in the interrogation room pronto, we have work to do.
Title: Intruder Author: Clara Character: Jake Peralta Trigger Warnings: none Prompt: “Hey could you make a jake peralta imagine about literally anything? Thanks a bunch”
*r e q u e s t e d * r e q u e s t s . a r e . o p e n *
Title: Settle For Me Character: Jake Peralta A/n: I listened to the “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” soundtrack and for some reason this song just screamed Jake to me, I dunno why. Give it a listen and lemme know if you agree.
•
“You’re staring at him again.”
Your chin fell from your hand and you looked up wide eyed at Rosa who was staring you down with her usual unamused expression.
You sat up in your desk chair, smoothing out your hair and presuming your case report as you cleared your throat. “Maybe I was.”
Rose clicked her tongue, reclining in her chair as she folded her arms, the leather material of her jacket making small squelch noises. “Why don’t you just ask him out, it’s obvious you have a thing for him.”
“I can’t! Then he’ll know!” You told her with a distressed expression as you cast a small glance over at the cute detective across the room.
His name was Josh and you had been harboring a small crush over him ever since he started working at the precinct a couple months ago. On his first day, he accidentally spilled coffee all over your new white blouse, and after dozens of apologies he told you to take his NYPD jacket to cover the mess.
He was just so dishy, a kind smile, the most dazzling blue eyes you’d ever seen on a person, and one of those jawlines that looked like it could cut butter.
“He’s too good looking for me,” You reasoned, the speed of your typing increasing the more you thought on it. “I’ll just admire from afar.”
Rose exhailed sharply and rested her elbows on the top of her desk she was intimidatingly close. “Look, I don’t care but you should know that anyone would be lucky to be with you,” Her eyes took one glance at how your eyes lit up and she went back to her work. “And I don’t care, just man the hell up and ask him.”
You smiled at her, knowing she was trying to be supportive the best she could.
Just a couple feet away from your desks was Jake Peralta, unhappily switching gaze between you and Josh, noticing the doey look you were giving him much to Jake’s annoyance.
Jake let out a sigh, starting to fill out some forms and not-so-subtlety looking up at Amy, waiting for a response.
When he got nothing he sighed again, louder this time and dramatically tossing aside his pencil.
Amy gave him one glance before going back to her work.
Jake frowned. “Alright, you obviously can tell I’m in a distressed state and want to vent, the least you can do is pretend to care.”
Amy rolled her eyes. “Why don’t you go find Boyle or Gina?”
“Boyle’s on that family trip and Gina found a new place to practice her dance moves.”
Amy followed his hand and saw Gina sparatically dancing in the evidence room with a huge pair of headphones on.
“Okay,” Amy said quietly, pushing away her keyboard. “I’m just gonna pretend I didn’t see that, what do you want?”
Jake pretended to toss back his hair. “Thank you, it’s nice to feel appreciated,” He said, taking a great deal of pleasure in her annoyed scowl. “I’ve been into (Y/n) for over a year now, why does she like that tool more than me?” He asked, throwing a quick gesture over to Josh.
Amy looked over at him and smiled. “Oh yeah, the cute one.”
Jake groaned, falling back into his chair. “What is wrong with you two! I’m a catch!”
Amy snorted, folding her hands neatly on her desk. “Well let’s start with the easiest things. For one, he is exceedingly more handsome than you, definitely more in shape, he’s sweet and charismatic, doesn’t have a weird attachment to the one nice jacket he owns and his credit is impeccable.”
Jake looked at her with his mouth agape. “Well glad to know you put a lot of thought into this, Santiago. And for the record! I have tons of jackets.” He said, grabbing his leather jacket and tossing it onto the floor behind him.
Amy stood up from her seat, grabbing her coffee mug and looking at him with an unimpressed expression. “I guess add that he’s less petty than you onto the list now too.”
Jake pouted. “Dammit, she got me.”
He looked over at you again, noticing the small peices of hair falling out of the updo your hair was in and how your fingers tapped on your desk and he found himself smiling softly.
Jake stood up, quickly plucking his jacket off the ground. “I’m sorry, she made me do it, just ignore her.” He whispered to it before putting on and adjusting his hood over the collar.
“Hey, (Y/n)!” He said, casually strolling up to your desk and attempting a charming smile. “Wanna go grab a coffee with me?”
You looked up at him and smiled. “Yeah, sure. I could use a break.”
Jake smiled and offered his arm to you. “After you.”
•
The whole walk to the coffee shop, you and Jake talked about everything under the sun, cracking small jokes to one another and just having a lovely little moment together.
Jake just couldn’t stop thinking about how great a couple the two of you would make. You and him just understood each other and for him, you were the most easiest person in the world to talk to.
Not to mention he felt his entire insides turn to jelly when you leaned into him after a particularly hearty chuckle, still having your arm linked with his. He wanted to be that close to you all the time.
Then he would remember you had a crush on someone else and it really killed the mood.
But what really bothered him was that Josh never really seemed to notice you the same way, he was polite to you but never went out of his way to talk to you. And Jake couldn’t understand how someone lucky enough to hold your affection would just ignore you.
The two of you sat down at a little table near the window and continued to talk about small things while you waited for your coffee.
Jake watched how your fingers would sometimes tug onto your lips when you were trying to think of something or the way you tapped your foot to the beat of the music playing in the background.
“Can I confess something?”
You were about to respond when a barista came over and set down two mugs of coffee on the table. “A secret from Jake Peralta? I’m all ears.”
Jake laughed, twirling his mug by the handle. “I just wanted to tell you that I really think the world of you, I think you’re brilliant at your job.”
He looked up and saw you eyeing him curiously over the brim of your mug and he cleared his throat before continuing. “And I know that you have a thing for Josh,”
You choked a little on your coffee, placing the cup down before covering the lower half of your face with your hand. “H-How did you know that?” Flushing when you heard him chuckle.
Jake looked at you with such fondness it almost took you back a little. “C’mon, I know you better than anyone in 99, plus you’re really not that subtle.”
He shook his head. “Not the point though, what I mean is I’ve had a crush on you for forever and I wanted to know if you would give me a shot,” Jake said quickly, noticing the surprised look on your face. “I know I’m literally nothing like Josh, word around the office is that he’s a dreamboat but don’t take my word for it.”
Your brows furrowed. “You have a crush on me?”
Jake nodded and looked down at his coffee. “Yup, I mean I totally don’t mind being your second, I just can’t shake the feeling that we’d be really good together. So, I was uh, hoping you’d let me at least give me a try. I mean we’re great partners and I like being with you” He laughed. “Call it a sad version of fate.”
You smiled at him and shook your head. “I can’t believe I didn’t notice, I must have been pretty oblivious.”
Jake blew a raspberry. “God, you were the worst! I was worried I’d have to go full Boyle or have Gina come up with an interpretive dance to tell you.”
You laughed, taking a moment to look at him. “You deserve a lot better than to be a second choice, Jake. Tell you what, why don’t we go out somewhere Friday night, maybe we could see a movie?”
Jake gave you smile that just beamed happiness and he held out his hand. “(Y/f/n), are you asking me out?”
You took his hand and kissed the back of it, causing Jake to let out a totally manly squeal. “Yes, I am.”
Jake was properly blushing, but he cleared his throat and wheezed. “Thought you’d never ask.”
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