rd-lancaster

[rd-lancaster]

“May our enemies never be as happy as we are at this moment.”

[rd-lancaster]

That moment you’re rewriting chapters and that actually start to turn out much better and you love them more.

I love my little smol beans: Grace and Silas 😭

[rd-lancaster]

Did I just finish a book in one day? Yes.

Everyone please read “What to Say Next?” by Julie Buxbaum so you can gasp and cry with me. This book reignited my passion for reading. It was an easy read but still so deep.

[rd-lancaster]

Im just feeling a certain way rn

[rd-lancaster]

Kind of had some kind of epiphany today. PLEASE READ!!

I listening to Britney Broski’s recent podcast episode. It’s called The Broski Report- The Demented Psychology of Being a Fangirl.

First of all, let me say, Britney is so freaking smart and such an intellectual. I used to think of her as just this funny person but if you really take the time to listen to her and get to know, you’ll understand there is so much more to her as a person. You may not always agree with her opinions and I can’t say I always do (majority I do), but I can wholeheartedly say I respect the heck out of her and those opinions because she has clearly thought them out and there is logical and passion behind them. So with that being said, go watch her content please especially those podcast episodes.

Secondly, she was discussing the “girlboss” characters we see the majority of the time now in our media, specifically movies. She talked about the quirky women we see in these movies today. She drew evidence from Disney movies such as Tangled (where it all began), then Moana, Encanto, etc. And LET ME BE CLEAR, she wasn’t trashing these movies. It was just evidence in her discussion.

But it really got me thinking: We see those types of women in movies and books everywhere. The typical girlboss woman and nothing ever gets to her. Nothing bothers her. (And/or) The quirky, clumsy woman who doesn’t really fit and “is different from other girls”. Very much the stereotype of “Manic Pixie Dream” girl. It’s what writers, film makers, creators, etc. pump out on a daily basis. And I have to agree with Britney, I’m tired of it now.

I want so desperately to see a woman in a book or film that I can somewhat relate to on a deeper level instead of fragments in a surface level connection. Then I realized: “You have kind of fallen into this as a writer yourself. You are writing the stereotypical girlboss woman. If you don’t like that, it needs to change because it’s hypocritical.”

And I’m not saying there is anything wrong with a girlboss, quirky woman. If that’s who you are, that’s awesome and I’m sure there is more to you than just that typical girlboss we see in movies and books. But it’s not me and I do think that “girl bosses” can still be written in a way that shows that powerful nature but still maintains that emotional side and keeps true to her femininity. Femininity is powerful and so beautiful. It often only gets studied in a surface level setting but if you really dive into it, there are so many layers to a woman and her feminine side that make her this gift and give her talents that no one else can have. I think we try to snuff that side of ourselves out sometimes so we can look/feel more powerful (and that is just my opinion) when in reality, we should embrace it more. Woman is power itself.

So with all that being said in this crazy ramble that I won’t go back and edit and make flow better: I’m going to be starting somewhat fresh with the Heartbeats in the Crossfire story. It’s missing so many elements that I think it needs to be better so everyone will be seeing new REWRITTEN chapters hopefully soon.

Thanks everyone!! 🫶🏼💕 and the comments/DMS are always open to discussion and opinions. This is a safe space where everyone is entitled to believe what they want to believe and share it with me and others!! I’d love to hear it.

[rd-lancaster]

I hope they do. Grace is more prone to follow through than Silas... go figure

does your oc go to therapy?

[rd-lancaster]

Hi everyone! I’m so sorry for not posting lately. Between the increase in workflow and then getting COVID (COVID is 🤢), I haven’t had much time to write but the next chapters are coming soon!!

Drop any questions below about the story or really anything you want to ask! Let’s get some engagement! 🫶🏼

[rd-lancaster]

Pinned Posts

🪵Posts about me, etc!

🌿Introducing Myself Post

🌿Q&A (coming soon)

🌿Post about The Broski Report by Brittany Broski and my epiphany

🪵Heartbeats in the Crossfire Content:

🌿Chapter One(in the process of being rewritten. See epiphany post)

🌿Chapter Two (in the process of being rewritten. See epiphany post)

🌿Chapter Three (in the process of being rewritten. See epiphany post)

🌿Character Introduction

🌿Fancasting

🌿Bonus Content

🌿Post about rewriting chapters (NEWEST POST!)

🌿Q&A about OC’s (coming soon)

🪵My Other Content

🌿COD MW Soap Appreciation

[rd-lancaster]

My Roman Empire 💕🥲

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (2005) dir. Joe Wright

[rd-lancaster]

Chapter three is out now both here and on wattpad! Please give it a read (and the other chapters in case you haven’t yet). Let me know in the comments or on wattpad what you think because it’s greatly appreciated! I take suggestions and advice seriously. It may even alter the story!

You’re helping a dream come true! Thanks so much guys 🫶🏼

Chapter Three

Silas:

"Are you sure about this? It just doesn't feel right, no matter how desperate we are," Ivy's voice quivered with uncertainty, her doubts echoing in the air.

I stood above her, my grip firm on the pistol aimed at the door. The sound of the lock clicking confirmed Ivy's successful attempt at picking it. "Don't worry, I don't plan on shooting anyone unless we have no other choice. It's more of an intimidation tactic, you know?" I glanced down at her, my eyes filled with a mix of determination and concern. "We can't afford to let compassion cloud our judgement. We need to find food and supplies, even if it means making sacrifices along the way."

Together, we searched the house, rummaging through cabinets to find any canned goods we could. I headed upstairs, gathering medical supplies and spare clothing, ensuring we had what we needed for our journey. In just a short span of ten minutes, our backpacks were overflowing with the weight of our supplies needed for travel. We aimed to blend into the world, unnoticed.

As we ventured through the dense woods, our footsteps muffled by nature, we moved in silence. The only sounds that broke the silence were our occasional breaks to quench our thirst or answer nature's call. My mind couldn't help but dwell on the unsettling idea of a traitor lurking within the military and government. It didn't seem far-fetched. Our government had always been filled with officials driven by self-interest, willing to employ anyone to further their own agendas. And now, we were pawns in their game.

The memories of Marcus and Owen flooded my mind once more, their sacrifices intertwined with my own. We had fought for a cause, only to be discarded and left to fend for ourselves. Anger bubbled within me, the thought of justice becoming a driving force propelling me forward. These traitors would sink with their own ship. They had become my collateral, the price they would pay for their actions.

"You've been quiet. Everything okay?" Ivy's voice snapped me out of my thoughts, her concern evident.

"Yeah, just lost in my own thoughts," I replied, meeting her gaze with a slight nod. "I think it's best if we stop for the night. It's getting dark, and travelling at night is risky."

She halted abruptly, appalled determination flashing in her eyes. "We can't afford to waste time. We need to keep going."

"Travelling at night is asking for trouble. I know even you know that," I reasoned, sliding off my backpack and letting it rest on the ground. My tired shoulders received a soothing rub from my hand. "Take a break. Rest for the night. I'll gather some firewood and we can have a meal."

"I don't feel like resting. Unlike you, I still have the energy to keep going," she retorted, resuming her stride. I reached out and grasped her arm, trying to assert my point.

"You don’t know the location of the safehouse, but I do. We're staying here for the night. No arguments," I stated firmly, locking eyes with her defiant stare. "I’ll tie you to the tree if I have to because believe it or not, I'd rather have you alive. So, sit down. Now."

With a defiant jerk, she freed her arm from my grasp and flung her backpack onto the ground, plopping down beside it. I sighed, exasperated by her stubbornness, and walked away to gather supplies for a fire. The darkness grew, but I was determined to provide some warmth and comfort in the midst of uncertainty.

—————

The warmth of the crackling fire enveloped me, sending waves of comfort through my weary bones. Satisfied with the simple meal of canned food that had managed to fill my stomach, I leaned back, lost in my own thoughts. Ivy and I hadn't exchanged more than a few words since our earlier conversation. But I figured she was used to my silence by now.

As I stared into the dancing flames, my mind raced frantically, trying to find the best way to handle the situation with the traitor. Should I confide in Stewart right away, or should I gather more evidence before revealing anything? What if I discover Stewart is the traitor or he tells someone and gets himself and me killed in the process?

"Penny for your thoughts?" Ivy's voice broke through the silence, her tone gentle.

I turned my gaze towards her, the soft glow of the fire illuminating her face. The flickering flames reflected in her eyes. It struck me for a moment how beautiful she was. I brushed that thought away quickly and let myself ease the tension in my shoulders. "Just trying to figure out how to expose the traitor without divulging any details," I confessed.

She nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. "You’re not telling Stewart? I thought you trusted him."

I sighed, grappling with my conflicting emotions. "I can't take any risks. The only person I can truly rely on is myself," I replied, my voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "And you."

A smile played on her lips, a glimmer of a teasing spark. . "So, that's what you meant earlier by wanting me to stay alive?"

I rolled my eyes, attempting to brush off the deep-seated emotions developing that threatened to surface. "Sure, let's go with that," I said, tending to the fire, stoking it slightly. "So, I guess you've let go of your earlier fit?"

She chuckled softly. "Sure, let's go with that," she replied, mirroring my words.

"Good. Get some rest now. I'll keep watch for a couple of hours and wake you up," I instructed, a hint of concern seeping through my authoritative tone.

"But you've been..." she began to protest.

I interrupted her, a note of command in my voice. "Just go to sleep. I’m the one calling the shots here.” I said, settling back against my backpack. She sighed in response, turning away from me to find a comfortable position.

As the night wore on, the sound of nature surrounded us. The wind whispered through the trees through their rustling leaves. A chorus of crickets joined in, their rhythmic chirping filling the air. The fire crackled and danced, its glow diminishing with each passing moment, almost demanding I tend to it.

Amidst the ambient sounds, I couldn't help but notice the gentle rise and fall of Ivy's breathing. It grew deeper and more steady, a testament to her weariness. I knew I was exhausted too. As I mapped out the remainder of our journey, pondering the challenges that laid ahead, I reflected on Ivy's struggle to keep up with my pace.

With a sigh, I approached her backpack, quietly unzipping it. Carefully, I redistributed some of the weight into my own, careful not to wake her. I didn't want her to feel like I was coddling her, but I knew that lightening her load would help her to keep up. Besides, having her close by brought a sense of peace, knowing that we had each other's backs.

I trusted Ivy more than she possibly realized. I could only hope that she felt the same.

Grace:

My fingertips brushed through the tall grass as we ventured deeper into the woods. The trees served as our shield, allowing us to move swiftly with minimal breaks. Today, I found myself keeping up a better pace, managing to stay close to Apollo's back. He had this habit of mumbling to himself, his eyes glued to a compass as we continued our trek. As it turned out, he wasn't all that bad. In fact, I had grown accustomed to his presence and even started to admire him. There was something about him that demanded respect, and it was easy to give it. Sure, I couldn't resist teasing him from time to time, but I didn't mind following his lead. I just knew deep down that I could trust him.

Eventually, we reached a peaceful area filled with more grass and an abundance of wildflowers. The sight before me was truly breathtaking, an open field adorned with a vibrant painting of colors.

"We'll take a quick break here," Apollo announced, a faint smile playing on his lips as he caught me getting lost in the beauty around us.

Unable to resist the allure, I crouched down to take in the sweet scent of the flowers. Their petals and the tips of the grass gently tickled my face and brushed against my hair, filling me with a sense of peace. It reminded me of the garden my mother used to have back home. I raised myself upright once more. The fields turned upside in my eyes to reveal a scene of her garden. Strands of her red hair appeared above the tall flowers. The lilt in her voice threatened me with tears.

“Grace! Darling! Come help me with the weeding, please!”

I closed my eyes almost calling out to her. I wanted to tell her I was coming and beg her to stay before another voice sliced through my deleting escape.

"Quit fooling around over there and grab a bite. I'm not waiting here forever," Apollo called out, his mouth full of jerky.

I rolled my eyes, unable to hide a smirk. Despite his gruffness, he had a point. We couldn't afford to lose track of time. Our lives were hanging in the balance, and I wasn't about to keep them hanging any longer.

With determination, I reached for my backpack and prepared to refuel. The sting of my mother’s voice rang in my ears. I pushed it aside though. Like I always did since the day of the accident.

Words faded into the background when the hike commenced again. The silence suited me just fine. It allowed me to stay focused. I trailed behind Apollo, keeping a watchful eye on his back, mirroring his observations of the treeline.

—————

"The sun is getting low," I panted, my breath catching in the steep and rocky terrain that demanded every ounce of strength to climb.

"I'm well aware of that, rookie," his voice raspy and filled with thirst. He took a sip from the canteen before continuing, "I need to use the bathroom. Once I'm done, we'll find a suitable spot to settle for the night."

As he disappeared behind the trees in search of privacy, I gratefully removed the backpack from my aching shoulders, giving my sore muscles a desperate massage.

With the backpack unzipped, I began rummaging for food when the sound of a twig snapping behind me sent a jolt through my stomach. In an instant, my hand darted towards my pistol, aiming it towards the source of the noise. Two men emerged from the shadows of the tree line, their hands raised in a seemingly non-threatening manner. Despite their starved and ragged appearance, their presence still made my heart race.

"Hello there," one of them greeted, his slimy smile oozing with a hint of menace. His eyes lingered toward the backpack. "You got any food in there to spare?"

My palms tightened around the pistol as I clicked off the safety, sending a clear warning. "None for you. Now, leave before things get ugly."

The other man scoffed, his mocking tone dripping with disdain. "Look at this princess, thinking she can give orders. Maybe a lesson in manners is in order." His hand reached behind him, and panic gripped me.

Without hesitation, I fired, and the men crumpled to the ground in front of me.

Before I could fully process the chaos around me, a powerful force wrapped around my chest, squeezing the air out of my lungs. I struggled against the large figure, desperately trying to keep him from wrestling the gun away. His fists hammered into my stomach, each blow an attempt to incapacitate me. Gasping for air, I refused to yield.

He shoved me to the ground, his weight bearing down on me. I aimed my weapon quickly, but he grabbed hold of the barrel, redirecting it towards the sky. His free hand clenched beneath my jaw, pushing my cheek into the mud. Sweat mingled with dirt on my brow as I clenched my teeth together. The pistol wavered between us, threatening to turn against me.

"Stop fighting it, sweetheart. You're no match--"

Suddenly, a splatter of crimson landed on my face, and the man collapsed on top of me. Pushing his lifeless body aside, I scrambled to an upright position, my weapon still trained on the source of the noise.

Apollo.

Lowering his pistol, he jogged towards me, his voice trembling with a mix of concern and relief. "Are you alright?"

I nodded, my trembling hand wiping the blood from my mouth as I managed to speak. "Thank you," I whispered, my words ragged and breathless from the exertion. My eyes darted to his victim, taking in the gruesome sight.

Apollo crouched beside me, offering a comforting touch. "It's alright. It’s over. We're okay." His hand briefly brushed against my cheeks, wiping away the blood. Rising to his feet, he extended a hand, helping me up.

Confusion filled my mind as he swiftly zipped up my backpack and handed it back to me. "What are you--" I began, but he cut me off.

"We can't stay here. It's too dangerous now. They might have others come looking for them," urgency laced his words. "We need to keep moving through the night. I won’t be a sitting duck and neither will you." His resolve was unwavering.

I couldn't argue with him.

Silas:

Ivy and I finally reached the safehouse in the early morning hours, the remainder of our hike shrouded in an unspoken tension. The events that had taken place had done a number on her. I could see the weight of it in her eyes, but I knew her resilience. She was strong. A quality that I had become accustomed to since day one.

However, the incident had heightened my senses, making me aware of every small noise. We approached the secluded house nestled in the woods. Its wooden exterior, chimney, and front porch gave it a rustic facade that seemed to blend with nature.

As we neared the front door, I raised my hand, silently signalling for Ivy to cover me.

"I'll sweep it. You cover me," my voice held firm in its command.

"Copy that," Ivy responded.

With practiced precision, I swiftly cleared every corner of the house, ensuring our safety. Exhaustion began to seep into my bones, threatening to pull me into a deep slumber. I collapsed onto the worn leather couch, fingertips massaging my temples to alleviate the beginnings of a tension headache.

Meanwhile, Ivy settled into the armchair, shedding her jacket and releasing her tattered hair from the hair tie. As the adrenaline subsided, my eyelids grew heavy, tempting me with sleep.

Fighting against the pull of exhaustion, I shifted my gaze to Ivy. The soft morning light filtered through the windows, casting a gentle glow upon her bloody dirt-streaked face. Dark circles formed under her eyes.

"You need to get cleaned up. You look like hell. I’m worried about you," I found myself blurting out, unable to suppress my concern for her well-being.

She nodded, emitting a tired groan as she rose from the armchair. She made her way down the narrow hallway and into the bathroom, the sound of running water replacing the silence.

In an attempt to keep myself alert, I began to explore the safehouse. The traces of dust that settled on the surfaces and furniture spoke of a reminder of the absence of recent visitors.

Continuing on, I found myself in a back bedroom, where a full-sized bed occupied the space. With a swift motion, I released clouds of dust from the pillows and blankets, watching as they danced in the sunlight that streamed through the window.

Settling onto the bed, I positioned myself near the window, my gaze drawn to the large birds perched in the nearby trees. They stood motionless, their presence seeming almost unnatural. It dawned on me—they were cameras, surveilling the outside and waiting to alert us to potential enemies.

Ivy’s throat cleared behind me and broke my spell. I turned to see her clutching a towel wrapped around her body. I closed my eyes and she chuckled a bit.

“Damn… sorry. I should’ve waited—“ I stuttered with an apology.

"No, it's alright," She interrupted, allowing a brief pause before continuing. "Are there any clean—“

“Yes- uh drawer on the left. I’m sure something in there should work.” I stuttered once more. Keeping my eyes shielded, I listened to the sound of Ivy rummaging through the drawers as I made my way out of the bedroom and into the bathroom, eager to wash away the grime that clung to my body.

The hot water cascaded over my tired muscles, washing away the dirt that had accumulated. Leaning against the shower wall, I let the water soothe my senses, attempting to find a moment of calm in the chaos that had consumed my life.

Restlessness and exhaustion intertwined within me, a heavy burden that refused to leave me be. The sting of betrayal lingered in the air I breathed. With every step and turn, I found myself waiting for the ground to crumble beneath me. Trust, a commodity that once carried stability for me, threatened to crumble.

"You alright in there?" Ivy's voice permeated through the bathroom door, her knuckles lightly tapping against it.

Startled, I snapped back to the present, scrambling to regain composure. "Geez yeah, I'll be out in a second."

"It's alright. Take your time. I just got a bit worried…. You've been in there for 30 minutes," she replied, her voice laced with understanding.

My eyes widened in disbelief, suddenly aware of how lost in my thoughts I was. Hastily, I shut off the water, a tinge of guilt in my voice. "Sorry. I didn't realize how long I was in here."

Ivy's reassuring voice soothed me. "Like I said, it's alright. I found some MRE's in the freezer. Chili with beans. I'll start making a pack for you." Her footsteps faded away as she made her way to the kitchen, leaving me standing there, struck by her thoughtfulness.

A smile tugged at the corners of my lips, a rare moment of warmth. I appreciated Ivy's kindness, her ability to provide comfort relieved some tension building within me.

A reminder that I had someone I could depend on.

[rd-lancaster]

Chapter Three

Silas:

"Are you sure about this? It just doesn't feel right, no matter how desperate we are," Ivy's voice quivered with uncertainty, her doubts echoing in the air.

I stood above her, my grip firm on the pistol aimed at the door. The sound of the lock clicking confirmed Ivy's successful attempt at picking it. "Don't worry, I don't plan on shooting anyone unless we have no other choice. It's more of an intimidation tactic, you know?" I glanced down at her, my eyes filled with a mix of determination and concern. "We can't afford to let compassion cloud our judgement. We need to find food and supplies, even if it means making sacrifices along the way."

Together, we searched the house, rummaging through cabinets to find any canned goods we could. I headed upstairs, gathering medical supplies and spare clothing, ensuring we had what we needed for our journey. In just a short span of ten minutes, our backpacks were overflowing with the weight of our supplies needed for travel. We aimed to blend into the world, unnoticed.

As we ventured through the dense woods, our footsteps muffled by nature, we moved in silence. The only sounds that broke the silence were our occasional breaks to quench our thirst or answer nature's call. My mind couldn't help but dwell on the unsettling idea of a traitor lurking within the military and government. It didn't seem far-fetched. Our government had always been filled with officials driven by self-interest, willing to employ anyone to further their own agendas. And now, we were pawns in their game.

The memories of Marcus and Owen flooded my mind once more, their sacrifices intertwined with my own. We had fought for a cause, only to be discarded and left to fend for ourselves. Anger bubbled within me, the thought of justice becoming a driving force propelling me forward. These traitors would sink with their own ship. They had become my collateral, the price they would pay for their actions.

"You've been quiet. Everything okay?" Ivy's voice snapped me out of my thoughts, her concern evident.

"Yeah, just lost in my own thoughts," I replied, meeting her gaze with a slight nod. "I think it's best if we stop for the night. It's getting dark, and travelling at night is risky."

She halted abruptly, appalled determination flashing in her eyes. "We can't afford to waste time. We need to keep going."

"Travelling at night is asking for trouble. I know even you know that," I reasoned, sliding off my backpack and letting it rest on the ground. My tired shoulders received a soothing rub from my hand. "Take a break. Rest for the night. I'll gather some firewood and we can have a meal."

"I don't feel like resting. Unlike you, I still have the energy to keep going," she retorted, resuming her stride. I reached out and grasped her arm, trying to assert my point.

"You don’t know the location of the safehouse, but I do. We're staying here for the night. No arguments," I stated firmly, locking eyes with her defiant stare. "I’ll tie you to the tree if I have to because believe it or not, I'd rather have you alive. So, sit down. Now."

With a defiant jerk, she freed her arm from my grasp and flung her backpack onto the ground, plopping down beside it. I sighed, exasperated by her stubbornness, and walked away to gather supplies for a fire. The darkness grew, but I was determined to provide some warmth and comfort in the midst of uncertainty.

—————

The warmth of the crackling fire enveloped me, sending waves of comfort through my weary bones. Satisfied with the simple meal of canned food that had managed to fill my stomach, I leaned back, lost in my own thoughts. Ivy and I hadn't exchanged more than a few words since our earlier conversation. But I figured she was used to my silence by now.

As I stared into the dancing flames, my mind raced frantically, trying to find the best way to handle the situation with the traitor. Should I confide in Stewart right away, or should I gather more evidence before revealing anything? What if I discover Stewart is the traitor or he tells someone and gets himself and me killed in the process?

"Penny for your thoughts?" Ivy's voice broke through the silence, her tone gentle.

I turned my gaze towards her, the soft glow of the fire illuminating her face. The flickering flames reflected in her eyes. It struck me for a moment how beautiful she was. I brushed that thought away quickly and let myself ease the tension in my shoulders. "Just trying to figure out how to expose the traitor without divulging any details," I confessed.

She nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. "You’re not telling Stewart? I thought you trusted him."

I sighed, grappling with my conflicting emotions. "I can't take any risks. The only person I can truly rely on is myself," I replied, my voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "And you."

A smile played on her lips, a glimmer of a teasing spark. . "So, that's what you meant earlier by wanting me to stay alive?"

I rolled my eyes, attempting to brush off the deep-seated emotions developing that threatened to surface. "Sure, let's go with that," I said, tending to the fire, stoking it slightly. "So, I guess you've let go of your earlier fit?"

She chuckled softly. "Sure, let's go with that," she replied, mirroring my words.

"Good. Get some rest now. I'll keep watch for a couple of hours and wake you up," I instructed, a hint of concern seeping through my authoritative tone.

"But you've been..." she began to protest.

I interrupted her, a note of command in my voice. "Just go to sleep. I’m the one calling the shots here.” I said, settling back against my backpack. She sighed in response, turning away from me to find a comfortable position.

As the night wore on, the sound of nature surrounded us. The wind whispered through the trees through their rustling leaves. A chorus of crickets joined in, their rhythmic chirping filling the air. The fire crackled and danced, its glow diminishing with each passing moment, almost demanding I tend to it.

Amidst the ambient sounds, I couldn't help but notice the gentle rise and fall of Ivy's breathing. It grew deeper and more steady, a testament to her weariness. I knew I was exhausted too. As I mapped out the remainder of our journey, pondering the challenges that laid ahead, I reflected on Ivy's struggle to keep up with my pace.

With a sigh, I approached her backpack, quietly unzipping it. Carefully, I redistributed some of the weight into my own, careful not to wake her. I didn't want her to feel like I was coddling her, but I knew that lightening her load would help her to keep up. Besides, having her close by brought a sense of peace, knowing that we had each other's backs.

I trusted Ivy more than she possibly realized. I could only hope that she felt the same.

Grace:

My fingertips brushed through the tall grass as we ventured deeper into the woods. The trees served as our shield, allowing us to move swiftly with minimal breaks. Today, I found myself keeping up a better pace, managing to stay close to Apollo's back. He had this habit of mumbling to himself, his eyes glued to a compass as we continued our trek. As it turned out, he wasn't all that bad. In fact, I had grown accustomed to his presence and even started to admire him. There was something about him that demanded respect, and it was easy to give it. Sure, I couldn't resist teasing him from time to time, but I didn't mind following his lead. I just knew deep down that I could trust him.

Eventually, we reached a peaceful area filled with more grass and an abundance of wildflowers. The sight before me was truly breathtaking, an open field adorned with a vibrant painting of colors.

"We'll take a quick break here," Apollo announced, a faint smile playing on his lips as he caught me getting lost in the beauty around us.

Unable to resist the allure, I crouched down to take in the sweet scent of the flowers. Their petals and the tips of the grass gently tickled my face and brushed against my hair, filling me with a sense of peace. It reminded me of the garden my mother used to have back home. I raised myself upright once more. The fields turned upside in my eyes to reveal a scene of her garden. Strands of her red hair appeared above the tall flowers. The lilt in her voice threatened me with tears.

“Grace! Darling! Come help me with the weeding, please!”

I closed my eyes almost calling out to her. I wanted to tell her I was coming and beg her to stay before another voice sliced through my deleting escape.

"Quit fooling around over there and grab a bite. I'm not waiting here forever," Apollo called out, his mouth full of jerky.

I rolled my eyes, unable to hide a smirk. Despite his gruffness, he had a point. We couldn't afford to lose track of time. Our lives were hanging in the balance, and I wasn't about to keep them hanging any longer.

With determination, I reached for my backpack and prepared to refuel. The sting of my mother’s voice rang in my ears. I pushed it aside though. Like I always did since the day of the accident.

Words faded into the background when the hike commenced again. The silence suited me just fine. It allowed me to stay focused. I trailed behind Apollo, keeping a watchful eye on his back, mirroring his observations of the treeline.

—————

"The sun is getting low," I panted, my breath catching in the steep and rocky terrain that demanded every ounce of strength to climb.

"I'm well aware of that, rookie," his voice raspy and filled with thirst. He took a sip from the canteen before continuing, "I need to use the bathroom. Once I'm done, we'll find a suitable spot to settle for the night."

As he disappeared behind the trees in search of privacy, I gratefully removed the backpack from my aching shoulders, giving my sore muscles a desperate massage.

With the backpack unzipped, I began rummaging for food when the sound of a twig snapping behind me sent a jolt through my stomach. In an instant, my hand darted towards my pistol, aiming it towards the source of the noise. Two men emerged from the shadows of the tree line, their hands raised in a seemingly non-threatening manner. Despite their starved and ragged appearance, their presence still made my heart race.

"Hello there," one of them greeted, his slimy smile oozing with a hint of menace. His eyes lingered toward the backpack. "You got any food in there to spare?"

My palms tightened around the pistol as I clicked off the safety, sending a clear warning. "None for you. Now, leave before things get ugly."

The other man scoffed, his mocking tone dripping with disdain. "Look at this princess, thinking she can give orders. Maybe a lesson in manners is in order." His hand reached behind him, and panic gripped me.

Without hesitation, I fired, and the men crumpled to the ground in front of me.

Before I could fully process the chaos around me, a powerful force wrapped around my chest, squeezing the air out of my lungs. I struggled against the large figure, desperately trying to keep him from wrestling the gun away. His fists hammered into my stomach, each blow an attempt to incapacitate me. Gasping for air, I refused to yield.

He shoved me to the ground, his weight bearing down on me. I aimed my weapon quickly, but he grabbed hold of the barrel, redirecting it towards the sky. His free hand clenched beneath my jaw, pushing my cheek into the mud. Sweat mingled with dirt on my brow as I clenched my teeth together. The pistol wavered between us, threatening to turn against me.

"Stop fighting it, sweetheart. You're no match--"

Suddenly, a splatter of crimson landed on my face, and the man collapsed on top of me. Pushing his lifeless body aside, I scrambled to an upright position, my weapon still trained on the source of the noise.

Apollo.

Lowering his pistol, he jogged towards me, his voice trembling with a mix of concern and relief. "Are you alright?"

I nodded, my trembling hand wiping the blood from my mouth as I managed to speak. "Thank you," I whispered, my words ragged and breathless from the exertion. My eyes darted to his victim, taking in the gruesome sight.

Apollo crouched beside me, offering a comforting touch. "It's alright. It’s over. We're okay." His hand briefly brushed against my cheeks, wiping away the blood. Rising to his feet, he extended a hand, helping me up.

Confusion filled my mind as he swiftly zipped up my backpack and handed it back to me. "What are you--" I began, but he cut me off.

"We can't stay here. It's too dangerous now. They might have others come looking for them," urgency laced his words. "We need to keep moving through the night. I won’t be a sitting duck and neither will you." His resolve was unwavering.

I couldn't argue with him.

Silas:

Ivy and I finally reached the safehouse in the early morning hours, the remainder of our hike shrouded in an unspoken tension. The events that had taken place had done a number on her. I could see the weight of it in her eyes, but I knew her resilience. She was strong. A quality that I had become accustomed to since day one.

However, the incident had heightened my senses, making me aware of every small noise. We approached the secluded house nestled in the woods. Its wooden exterior, chimney, and front porch gave it a rustic facade that seemed to blend with nature.

As we neared the front door, I raised my hand, silently signalling for Ivy to cover me.

"I'll sweep it. You cover me," my voice held firm in its command.

"Copy that," Ivy responded.

With practiced precision, I swiftly cleared every corner of the house, ensuring our safety. Exhaustion began to seep into my bones, threatening to pull me into a deep slumber. I collapsed onto the worn leather couch, fingertips massaging my temples to alleviate the beginnings of a tension headache.

Meanwhile, Ivy settled into the armchair, shedding her jacket and releasing her tattered hair from the hair tie. As the adrenaline subsided, my eyelids grew heavy, tempting me with sleep.

Fighting against the pull of exhaustion, I shifted my gaze to Ivy. The soft morning light filtered through the windows, casting a gentle glow upon her bloody dirt-streaked face. Dark circles formed under her eyes.

"You need to get cleaned up. You look like hell. I’m worried about you," I found myself blurting out, unable to suppress my concern for her well-being.

She nodded, emitting a tired groan as she rose from the armchair. She made her way down the narrow hallway and into the bathroom, the sound of running water replacing the silence.

In an attempt to keep myself alert, I began to explore the safehouse. The traces of dust that settled on the surfaces and furniture spoke of a reminder of the absence of recent visitors.

Continuing on, I found myself in a back bedroom, where a full-sized bed occupied the space. With a swift motion, I released clouds of dust from the pillows and blankets, watching as they danced in the sunlight that streamed through the window.

Settling onto the bed, I positioned myself near the window, my gaze drawn to the large birds perched in the nearby trees. They stood motionless, their presence seeming almost unnatural. It dawned on me—they were cameras, surveilling the outside and waiting to alert us to potential enemies.

Ivy’s throat cleared behind me and broke my spell. I turned to see her clutching a towel wrapped around her body. I closed my eyes and she chuckled a bit.

“Damn… sorry. I should’ve waited—“ I stuttered with an apology.

"No, it's alright," She interrupted, allowing a brief pause before continuing. "Are there any clean—“

“Yes- uh drawer on the left. I’m sure something in there should work.” I stuttered once more. Keeping my eyes shielded, I listened to the sound of Ivy rummaging through the drawers as I made my way out of the bedroom and into the bathroom, eager to wash away the grime that clung to my body.

The hot water cascaded over my tired muscles, washing away the dirt that had accumulated. Leaning against the shower wall, I let the water soothe my senses, attempting to find a moment of calm in the chaos that had consumed my life.

Restlessness and exhaustion intertwined within me, a heavy burden that refused to leave me be. The sting of betrayal lingered in the air I breathed. With every step and turn, I found myself waiting for the ground to crumble beneath me. Trust, a commodity that once carried stability for me, threatened to crumble.

"You alright in there?" Ivy's voice permeated through the bathroom door, her knuckles lightly tapping against it.

Startled, I snapped back to the present, scrambling to regain composure. "Geez yeah, I'll be out in a second."

"It's alright. Take your time. I just got a bit worried…. You've been in there for 30 minutes," she replied, her voice laced with understanding.

My eyes widened in disbelief, suddenly aware of how lost in my thoughts I was. Hastily, I shut off the water, a tinge of guilt in my voice. "Sorry. I didn't realize how long I was in here."

Ivy's reassuring voice soothed me. "Like I said, it's alright. I found some MRE's in the freezer. Chili with beans. I'll start making a pack for you." Her footsteps faded away as she made her way to the kitchen, leaving me standing there, struck by her thoughtfulness.

A smile tugged at the corners of my lips, a rare moment of warmth. I appreciated Ivy's kindness, her ability to provide comfort relieved some tension building within me.

A reminder that I had someone I could depend on.

[rd-lancaster]

Bro is so unserious like I cannot with him but also why is he kinda 🥵????

Opinions on Phillip Graves?

Wtf is a kilometer???

[rd-lancaster]

Fancasting my characters for kicks and giggles (see what I did there? 😉) Plus, Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Silas Griffin (Apollo) definitely gives us Calahan Skogman vibes. He’s a strong male character based on his military background and doesn’t take crap from anyone. People in his ranks call him “Golden Boy” on account of his admiration from his superiors and success in the military. He’s known for trying to play by the rules and being deemed “close to perfect” by his comrades.

Grace Abbot (Ivy) puts me in mind of Saoirse Ronan through and through. Grace is a strong female character too although she doesn’t mind eventually taking the lead from Silas and filling in the gaps where his flaws are. She has a big heart despite eventually learning that sometimes you’ve got to make sacrifices to keep yourself alive.

Despite their rocky beginnings though, Grace and Silas eventually develop a strong bond and become dependent on each other through their mutual trust and respect for one another. Plus… they both start to develop feelings to which they both struggle to hide.

More to come on these two!

[rd-lancaster]

Thinking about how this is literally my OCs song. My baby Grace (Ivy) and sweet Silas (Apollo).

It’s their anthem! Their bread and butter. And they are my everything.

psst psst… hey… while you’re here, you might as well check out the content I post. Plus… we can be friends 🫶🏼😁

[rd-lancaster]

Giggling, twirling my hair, and kicking my feet ☺️

For Science

I can't believe I am doing this. My submission for the Alex Keller Challenge.

Alex Keller x Reader

Summary: Alex catches you staring and asks if you want to learn how to chop wood.

Prompts used: "For science" and "I've never done this before".

Warnings: None

Note: This came to me suddenly while I was writing Alex Keller head canons. It just poured out of me. This is the very first writing I have published other than head canons.

It's a crisp fall afternoon. You're on the porch swing, reading a book. Glancing up for a moment, in the distance you are greeted by Alex. Sweaty, shirt now removed, jeans hanging low on his hips, his normally styled hair disheveled.

You must have perfect timing because Alex is mid-swing, muscles on full display as he expertly swings the ax down, making a clean cut through the wood. The loud thump sound reverberates in your body.

You're lost in thought, captivated by his strength and precision.

"Enjoying the show?" he teases, snapping you out of your trance.

You're speechless for a moment, but he interjects.

"Want to give it a try?" Alex smirks. "For science?"

Placing your book down, you stand up and make your way over to the wood pile. Alex grabs your hand and maneuvers you between him and the chopping block. Even through the chilled air you can feel the heat radiating from his body. It sends a shiver up your spine.

Standing behind you, he guides your right hand to the helve and your left hand to the butt. "I've never done this before," you confess.

"You're going to lift the ax until it's head is above yours and square to your body. Then slide your right hand down to meet your left as the ax comes down" he instructs.

You practice a few slow motion swings. Your whole body tingles as Alex handles you with care, making slight adjustments to guide your hands and body. You're pretty sure you hear him whisper, "good girl" but must shake off the feeling it gives you, in the name of safety.

Finally, he steps away from you and around to the front of the chopping block. You body immediately reacts to the loss.

Alex provides some final advice, "Remember, you don't have to swing it as hard as possible, it's more about precision. Gravity will do the work."

You take a deep breath before swinging the ax over your head and onto your target. The thump sound reverberates in your body again, but not the same way it did when Alex was chopping. You don't make it all the way through the log, but it was a solid first try.

"Thanks for the lesson" you smile, handing the ax back to Alex.

"Done already?" Alex says, running a hand through his hair. You're already halfway back to the porch.

You turn and give Alex a sultry look, "Why do the work myself when I can get the show for free?"

Alex shakes his head and can't help but smile, a blush creeping across his face as you sit back on the porch swing and watch him get back to work.

[rd-lancaster]

Saving this for me so I’m able to keep track of my fave lore lol

Dear Sleepy, could you please upload a Timeline for your GhostxJade Comics.

Because I really like them but can't find the first ones.

Hello!

There's actually not that many of Ghost x Jade comics because of my lazy and slow bum, but here are the master list for you and others who wants to read Ghost x Jade stories!

(will constantly be updated with time)

💀🌱Ghost x Jade Masterlist 💀🌱

📝 = Written 🖼️ = Illustration 📔 = Comic

🕰️ REBOOT!MW

🌹💀 COLD HEART🌹💀

Prologue - Hard Time 🖼️📝

Take Care of Yourself 🖼️📝

****

Arts and Fics

🎨 Jade's concept art and equipment 🎨

Wildflower (Valentine's Day 2023 fic) 📝🖼️

More of You (there's only one bed oop) Part 1 Part 2📝🖼️

What if Ghost saw Jade injured? 📝

Reboot!Jade Profile 🖼️

Team Las Almas 🖼️

When Ghost Crumbles, She Finally Saw Simon 🖼️

Ghost Brushes Jade's Hair 🖼️

When Did Ghost Learn How To Braid? 🖼️

--------------------------------------------------------------------

🕰️ OG!MW - Timeline Based (✧ω✧)

Ghost and Jade's First Impression on Each Other 🖼️📝

Jade Forcefully Opens Ghost's Mask! (Just my rambling but this is the first ever post of Jade) 🖼️📝

A Night To Kill 🖼️📝

Meteor Showers Part I 📔

Meteor Showers Part II 📔

Ghost Takes Care of Jade During Her Period 🖼️📝

ALMOST First Kiss?? 🖼️

We Survived The Whole-Ass War Together and Now Let's Have Our First Date For Real 🖼️

🌌 Ghost x Jade AU or Other Works (ง ื▿ ื)ว

Know my OTP in 5 Minutes meme 🖼️

Ghost Braids Jade's Hair 🖼️

BBQ Sauce on Me Tits... 🖼️

Ghost Spilled his Tea 🖼️

Wrong Room Jade... 🖼️

What if Ghost Survives? Sketch 🖼️

Veteran!Ghost x Vet!Jade ft. Riley the Doggo 🖼️📝

Vigilante!Ghost x Police!Jade 🖼️📝

Azrael!Ghost ft. Jade

Take Care of Yourself Out There, Alright? 🖼️

Painting Ghost and Jade's Face Claim! 🖼️

Help Ghost with His Eyeliner Plz 📔

🎁 Works by Others As Gifts ❤️ (love you guys! (≧◡≦) ♡)

@shadeops21 's "A Vet, A Vet, and a Dog" based on my Vet AU. 📝

@shadeops21's Quackbang! based of my Jade in Ghost's Jacket illlustration. 🖼️📝

@simonriley1994 's Fanfic of Meteor Showers 📝

[rd-lancaster]

Chapter Two

Silas:

I found my eyelids growing heavier with each passing minute, the weight of exhaustion tugged on me. The last half hour of my watch seemed to continue endlessly and I could barely hold on. To fight off my fatigue, I occupied my mind with the thoughts of our failed mission.

How did things go so wrong? It’s almost like they had been waiting for us, ready to strike upon our arrival.

Images of Marcus and Owen being struck down by the helmets flashed before my eyes. Vivid crimson splattering onto the walls and on us. They had been chosen to be our leaders tonight and now they were gone.

I found myself uttering a prayer, seeking comfort and peace, for the haunting image of losing two brothers continued to torment me. Death was familiar to me, but this time it felt different, heavier. The weight of grief settled on my shoulders, but I couldn't allow myself to dwell on it for long.

I needed to channel these emotions into discovering what had gone awry and avenging their deaths. I could only hope that the rest of the team had made it to the chopper in time. Kyle's voice crackled through the radio, confirming his safety and inquiring about my location. However, Daniel and Carter remained unaccounted for, as far as I knew. The thought of Sergeant Stewart learning about this tragedy weighed heavily on my mind.

The alarm on my watch jolted me back to reality. My feet dragged wearily as I made my way to the bedroom. Pushing the door open quietly, I saw her in a deep slumber, yet her face etched with the burdens of stress. I stood there for a moment, observing her. Though petite in stature, she exuded an air of intelligence and resilience. It was evident that she knew how to hold her own.

Almost as if she sensed my presence, she stirred from her slumber. To avoid alarming her, I spoke softly, my voice cutting through the silence. "It's time." Raising my wrist to show her the time, she nodded, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. With a swift motion, she retrieved a pistol from under her pillow, and for a fleeting moment, I braced myself. But she holstered it securely at her back.

"Take all the time you need to rest. You look like you could use it," she murmured, making her way towards the door.

Her words, laced with comfort, acted as a soothing balm to my weariness. "No. Wake me the moment you feel yourself starting to slip. You don’t need to worry about me." I assured her, attempting to maintain a firm tone despite my gratitude for her kindness.

A sleepy smile played upon her lips. "I'll be fine. Those dark circles under your eyes tell a different story. So, as I said, get your sleep." With that, the door closed, ending our conversation.

I settled into the warmth of the bed, the sheets carrying a discrete floral scent. It was light, almost ethereal, but as I nestled into the pillow, the fragrance enveloped me.

It must be her.

The scent seemed to possess a soothing quality, lulling me into a peaceful slumber.

————

The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow upon my cheek. My eyes opened, and a sudden panic of dread flooded my senses. I glanced at my watch.

7:00 am.

She let me sleep too long. She must be asleep herself!

I threw off the covers and stomped into the living area, only to find her already awake. In fact, she had been preparing breakfast, the aroma wafting from the stove as she served it onto plates.

"Good morning, bedhead," she chuckled, gesturing at my dishevelled hair. I turned to face the mirror on the wall and saw the blonde strands sticking up in every direction. Embarrassed, I attempted to smooth it out with my hand.

"Why did you let me sleep? I specifically told you to wake--"

"I let you sleep for an extra hour compared to me," she assured me. "I'll catch up on rest later in the day. You can keep watch then to make it up to me." She placed two plates of grits on the table.

I settled into my seat, and she took her place across from me. My spoon prodded at the food instinctively, checking for any signs of tampering.

"Geez... you're fine! If I wanted to kill you, I would have done it while you were sleeping," she rolled her eyes. "Eat. I didn't have to be this nice, you know? I could have made you fend for yourself."

Suppressing the urge to make a sarcastic comment, I chuckled. "Thank you. I genuinely appreciate this." I scooped a bite onto the spoon, hesitating for a moment before bringing it into my mouth.

We ate in silence for a few minutes, and with each bite, I felt a growing sense of gratitude. I hadn't realized how hungry I was.

Finally, Ivy broke the silence. Her gaze shifted towards the radio strapped to my vest in the living area. "That radio. When do you think you'll use it again for exfiltration?"

I shook my head, uncertainty clouding my expression. "No idea. I had to go off the grid completely." I stared off into the distance, memories of Marcus and Owen flooding my mind.

I contemplated asking her about her mission, knowing that if she revealed her story, I would have to share mine. Despite her occasional brashness, she didn't seem like a threat. In fact, I felt sympathy for her.

"I suppose we shouldn't share the details of our failed missions," her voice seemed to read my thoughts. "But I think we both sense the disappointment and grief we both have."

I nodded, my gaze meeting hers. "We lost two soldiers. They were like brothers to me."

"I lost my partner. He sacrificed himself so I could escape," her voice quivered with emotion.

A frown etched upon my face as I glanced down at the grits. "I'm sorry."

"Me too," she whispered softly.

I observed her discreetly swipe at a tear on her cheek before she shifted the topic. "There’s a shortage of food supplies here. Depending on how long we're stranded, we'll need to address that."

"Agreed. How long do you plan on remaining off the grid?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

She bowed her head, uncertainty etched into her words. "I'm not sure. I don't have a means of contacting my agency."

Perplexed, I scoffed at the revelation. "What? So you're telling me they sent you on a mission without a contingency plan in case things went awry? No emergency contact? No safe house for extraction?"

She shook her head, her expression filled with a mixture of frustration and resignation. "No. I've been on this mission for four months. We had two more months to gather as much intel as possible, and then extraction was planned."

I let out a frustrated huff, my disappointment wasn't with her, but at her agency's lack of planning. She was a rookie. Her agency had failed her, leaving her to navigate this mission alone and left her with no options for safety. It seemed like a suicide mission, exploiting her intel-gathering capabilities and using her as just a chess piece in a vicious game. It was unfair to her.

"Once I reactivate the radio, I'll contact my captain, and I'm confident we can arrange transportation for you," I assured her, trying to offer some assurance.

"Thank you," she murmured softly, her voice carrying a sense of gratitude. We shifted our focus away from the topic, finishing our meal in a comfortable silence, occasionally attempting to engage in awkward conversation.

As the morning stretched into the afternoon and then evening, we maintained limited interactions, our discussions guarded, revealing only fragments of our respective backgrounds. Most of the time, we remained silent, lost in our own thoughts. I took the opportunity to sharpen my knives while she curled up on the couch for a nap. I noticed her shivering, the temperature in the apartment had gotten low with the winter weather. I reached for her jacket, gently draping it over her slumbering form.

Sitting on the floor, my gaze fixated on one of my knives, I found myself lost in my own thoughts. Ivy had mentioned her undercover mission lasting four months. Our task force had been deployed to this location after weeks of planning and gathering intelligence. Serbia had been on the United States' radar, with the infiltration of drug cartels. It dawned on me that she must have been embedded amidst one of these cartels.

She possessed a remarkable level of toughness and intellect to operate in such a role. They don't entrust just anyone with this type of mission. Gradually, I came to a realization: it wasn't her naivety that had cost her partner's life and nearly her own. It couldn’t have been. The gears in my head turned more.

There had to be a traitor. Someone on the inside, working with them for some personal gain. Just as there must have been a traitor within our own ranks, alerting our enemies to our presence that night.

A traitor. Damn it.

Grace:

The revelations unfolded in a dream, unravelling the mystery that had been plaguing my thoughts. In my slumber, a vivid image materialized—a chessboard, its pieces making calculated movements until an unseen force toppled the board over. It could only mean one thing.

There was a traitor within the CIA field group.

My eyes snapped open, my body jolting upright from the couch. My abrupt actions caught Apollo's attention as he sat on the floor, and his gaze shifted towards me.

His voice carried an undercurrent of anger as he began to speak. "There's a-"

"A traitor. In the CIA," I interjected, my breath catching in my throat. "Everything falls into place now. The mission was progressing smoothly, and suddenly everything turned against us. Ricardo... he gained some kind of awareness and snapped that night."

Apollo nodded, rising to his feet. "I believe there's a traitor within my ranks as well. It's the only explanation for why those men were waiting for us, aimed at the door as we entered. They knew we were coming."

I glanced away momentarily, gathering my thoughts. "I know we agreed not to discuss our respective missions," I hesitated for a moment. "But did your mission involve drug trafficking?"

"Yes," Apollo responded without any hesitation. "I assume Ricardo was a member of a cartel?"

I nodded. "He was the leader. We infiltrated their ranks. I.. seduced him. The things I had to do..." My hands instinctively rose to my face, rubbing my temples. "Sam died. The traitor, or maybe even traitors, were responsible for his death."

Apollo settled on the couch beside me, his presence providing some comfort. "Exactly. We were just pawns in their game."

"You can't use that radio. They'll track us down and kill us," I stated, my voice trembling with fear. The realization that we were alone washed over me.

"I don't believe Captain Stewart is the traitor." Apollo snapped, his frustration evident. "I've worked with him for years. He would never betray us."

"Apollo... while you may be right about Captain Stewart, someone within your ranks is undoubtedly a traitor," I argued, shaking my head. "That's precisely why we can’t disclose our location."

He sighed, his agitation palpable. "So what are we supposed to do, then?"

"I don't know," I admitted, a sense of helplessness flooding over me. "But using the radio is too risky. We need to devise an alternative plan, think outside the box."

A moment of silence enveloped the room as we pondered our options, our thoughts intertwining.

"What about an encrypted messaging service?" Apollo suggested. "We can utilize public Wi-Fi, attempt to contact Stewart using a coded message. We await his instructions and then proceed accordingly."

I nodded in agreement. "And if he turns out to be a traitor? If he sends us to a location where our demise awaits?"

Apollo's gaze locked onto mine, a fierce intensity burning in his eyes. "Just trust me on this. Please?"

————

I trimmed my damp, lengthy strands of hair, severing them to a length that barely grazed my shoulders. As I stood before the bathroom mirror, I felt a pair of eyes watching me. I turned to find Apollo, his gaze transfixed, seemingly lost in a trance.

"Do you like the haircut or something?" I teased.

He nodded, his hand rubbing the back of his neck, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "It's... suitable. It definitely alters your appearance."

I slid a gray beanie over my head, its thick fabric concealing the scar forming on my forehead. The flannel shirt I wore enveloped my frame, despite my efforts to tuck it in. I looked disheveled and it would help me blend in.

Apollo packed a backpack with our limited provisions, knowing that we wouldn't return to this place. I desired to bring an end to this ordeal, be it through demise or our rescue.

"You need to wear one as well," I asserted, breaking the silence. Apollo turned, and I thrust a hat into his chest. "Your blond hair will undoubtedly draw attention."

"I'm well aware of that, rookie. This isn't my first rodeo," he retorted, pulling it over his head and adjusting it in the bathroom mirror before we stepped out.

————

"Apollo, it would be just fantastic if you could hurry this along. I’d hate to stick around and run into our friends, ya know?” I whispered in his ear, a hint of sarcasm lacing my words.

If you continue to rush me, we won’t need to run into friends to have ourselves killed. The unencrypted message would be enough to give us away,” he retorted sharply, his tone matching my own.

We sat in the confines of a public library, utilizing one of the available computers. I assisted Apollo in bypassing the library's database, granting us broader access. His task involved accessing an encrypted messaging service to transmit a carefully coded message, but progress proved more difficult than anticipated.

Impatience gnawed at me, causing my fingers to drum against the table's surface and my leg to bounce restlessly. I couldn't help but scan our surroundings, alert for any signs of danger or unwelcome attention.

"You're risking our cover, rookie, with your nervousness. Were you not trained in situational awareness, or were you too busy flirting with an instructor?" Apollo whispered to me, a trace of annoyance in his voice.

I couldn't resist the opportunity to tease him, and playfully kicked his shin. He stifled a groan, and I couldn't help but smirk. "Seems like a touch of jealousy, if you ask me. You may have the looks, but any woman can detect that non-existent charm from a mile away."

A wry smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, his irritation momentarily forgotten. "So, you think I'm good looking."

I rolled my eyes, feigning nonchalance. "I didn't say I was attracted to you. Besides, I'm not the one who constantly stares."

Heat flushed his cheeks, but he swiftly redirected his focus to the computer. After a few moments, he had finally gained access to the system.

"We're in," he whispered to me, and a smile of satisfaction spread across my face. Apollo began crafting a coded message for Captain Stewart.

Leaning over his shoulder, I recited the message aloud. "An eagle and a sparrow fly low in the crimson sky, seeking guidance to a new nest."

My eyes flicked to his, a mischievous glint present. "Impressive work, adrenaline junkie. There's more to you than meets the eye," I paused briefly. "But I must ask, why a sparrow and not another eagle?"

"It's a code for someone outside our ops team who requires exfiltration as well. They'll receive further instructions from you once they pick us up," he explained, his voice steady.

Nodding in understanding, I leaned back in my chair, folding my arms over my chest as we both stared at the screen. We awaited a response that would signal our departure.

Half an hour dragged by, and our impatience grew palpable. The librarians cast suspicious glances in our direction, their curiosity piqued by our heightened distress.

Leaning closer to the computer, Apollo gestured for me to join him, whispering, "We can’t linger here much longer. I think we have overstayed our welcome and we’re becoming suspicious."

Suddenly, the computer chimed, signalling an incoming message. "Head eagle leads second flock to sideline four. Head eagle's first flock arriving in a week. Requesting low flight patterns and navigation. Eagle out."

"What does that mean?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"We need to cross the border to reach the safehouse. Exfiltration will take place in a week," he replied, a tinge of disappointment in his voice.

"A week? What the hell?" I exclaimed, my frustration growing.

"It will likely take us a couple of days to cross the border, and another day to reach the safehouse. Not to mention, we must maintain a low profile," he sighed. "Stewart must have thought it unsafe or unwise to exfil at our current location."

"We don't have enough supplies for such a journey, and we're lacking critical information," I pointed out, my concern evident.

The librarians continued to cast suspicious glances in our direction, sensing the tension in the air. Apollo tapped my thigh gently, urging me to action. "Let's move, Ivy. It's no longer safe for us here."