#legit my old desk job my supervisor was like 'Hope you really have to stop making predictions.'

[youremyonlyhope]

My uncanny ability to accidentally specifically predict bad things now means that for the second time, a supervisor has told me to stop making predictions while at work since they keep coming true.

This has happened in two different jobs in two different fields now. Yay.

[shadow-assassin-blix]

Be Still, My Heart

Part 3

A/n: Last official part. Will do  headcanons/blurbs for them but for now this story is done.

Everything: @mikeisthricedeceased

Pedro: @m-123 @fioccodineveautunnale @artsymaddie @blo0dangel @mcrmarvelloki​

The morning started normally; she was reviewing some files when she first got into the office. She smiled softly when Marcus arrived and sat down across from her at his desk.

The team slowly filed in, and by noon they were transferring files to the team that was taking over for them. They had barely started the process when the head supervisor, Martinez, came in and asked to speak to her.

Steel stood up and followed him to his office. The meeting lasted an hour when Steel was finally sent back out. Marcus noted her face looked blank, but her eyes were rimmed red. She quietly began to pack her desk up.

“…What is going on?” He asked her, coming to stand near her.

“… Short version: I’m fired. Or “asked to take early retirement at half benefits,”” She muttered shortly, tossing things into an empty file box without care.

She refused to look up at him as she did this and quickly grabbed the box and her things before striding to the elevator to leave.

Marcus stared at where she stood in confusion, moving to Martinez’s office to get answers.

“Why did you fire Steel?” He asked as he burst into the office.

He noticed vaguely that the head of the gang unit was also in there.

“Agent Y/L/N was ordered to not go near Felix Hernandez. Her attachment to him causes a great deal of issues. He was arrested 20 minutes ago, asking for her. Her continued involvement within the agency could destroy the RICO case that we have been working on for years. This was the best route,” Martinez informed him with a sigh.

Marcus took a heavy breath, running his hand over his face.

“Why was he asking for her?” Marcus questioned looking at both of them.

“Hernandez apparently named her the emergency guardian for Valentina. Steel was given two options: relinquish guardianship and keep her job or keep it and leave the agency. She chose the latter,” Agent Lowell from the Gang Unit filled in.

“You gave her the option… to abandon a child to the foster system just to keep her job? Did you really think she would do that?” Marcus asked astounded.

He turned and left at that point. He marched to the elevator, determined to catch up to Steel. He found her at her home, sitting outside on her steps. Her arms were wrapped her knees and chin rested atop them.

He took a seat next to her, “Martinez and Lowell told me what happened. What do you need me to do?”

“Tomorrow I go in to see Felix and confirm everything. By the end of the week, Valentina will be with me. I… I know you didn’t sign up for this… I… I don’t know what to do beyond this,” She whispered, sniffling as tears welled up in her eyes.

“Well. I still want to be with you… If… I know this is fast but… my place in DC has 3 bedrooms… You and Valentina can stay with me… if you’d like,” Marcus offered.

“According to the child protective services, we have to stay here for at least 6 months. I don’t want you to stay here and put your career on hold for me. We can… skype and call/text. I just… I still want to be with you as well, I just don’t want you to stop living just for us,” She said to him after a moment.

“Okay. 6 months. I can deal with that. 6 months and the 2 of you come live with me,” Marcus replied with a nod.

She gave a watery smile, hoping that the distance and time wouldn’t put a strain on their relationship.

“So… shall we unpack…everything? Or would you like to keep some of it packed still?” Marcus asked sighing heavily as he realized their work over the weekend was for naught.

“I’d rather not unpack everything. Just the necessary items should be enough. I’m sorry. I… I didn’t think this would happen,” She murmured, staring up at the sky.

“I know. Let’s go get you situated, and tonight I’ll make you dinner. Do… do you want me to take you to the prison tomorrow to see Felix?” He hesitantly inquired as he stood back up.

“Yeah… I’d like that. Honestly, I don’t know how I am going to react tomorrow. He… he dropped a bomb in my lap,” She said swallowing harshly, her mouth dry, as she stood up as well.

“I’ll be there every step of the way, no matter what,” He assured her, kissing her firmly.

She kissed him back, feeling the tension in her body leave her. There was something about Marcus that just instantly relaxed her.

The two of them unpacked a handful of boxes that afternoon. After that Marcus made her pancakes and eggs. She laughed as she watched him try to flip them and be fancy. He made her forget about her worries for the time.

He stayed with her that night; nothing happened, but she wished it did. The two of them shared her bed; Steel didn’t want to be alone and enjoyed cuddling with him.

The next day came around far sooner than she wanted, and she dreaded the trip to the prison. Each step she took toward the visiting room made her feel like she was walking to her doom. She took a seat at the table she was directed to by one of the guards.

It didn’t take long for Felix appear, nor for his scummy lawyer to materialize out of nowhere. His lawyer presented her with some documents and a pen.

Felix stared at her for a long time, not speaking.

“Felix. Let’s just get this over with please,” Steel quietly pleaded.

He blinked, clearing his throat, “Yeah. I named you Valentina’s guardian. Your… your old boss has quite the case against me. I’m… I’m take a plea bargain. But… it still means time in the clink… like… 15 years’ worth at least. Valentina’s only 14. She… she needs someone. I don’t want to go away for that time and let her wind up in the foster system. She… listens to you. Loves you.”

“I love her too. I am willing to take her but… you cost me my job. Twice if we are going to be honest. I won’t deny her if you want to keep in touch but… I don’t want to ever see you again. I can’t…” She struggled to speak.

“I understand. If I may say so… I did… I did love you. Even after…everything. I’m sorry for the trouble I’ve caused you,” He said looking her in the eye.

She nodded her head once, turning her attention to the lawyer. He proceeded to explain that Valentina was to stay in one stable home for at least 6 months until the trial is over before Steel would be allowed to move or relocate. There were other terms and conditions that Steel understood and signed on the dotted line once it was all said and done.

“It will take about 2 business days for these to process. You can pick up Valentina from her group home by the end of the week,” He informed her once everyone signed and he walked away.

“Take care of my baby sister. Um. What he didn’t mention was that there is an account setup for her. All legit money for her to use. She has a limit on what she can spend monthly but once she turns 18 that limit disappears,” He mentioned, as he used the abandoned pen and scrap paper to write the info down.

She took the paper from him, nodding in understanding.

“I’ll take care of her, I promise. Do her a favor… don’t get yourself killed in here. She’s already lost a great deal of family… Don’t let her lose the only person she admires the most,” Steel requested as she walked away from him.

She took a deep breath of relief as she finally stepped outside of the prison and over to Marcus; she had asked for him to wait outside for her.

He drove her not to her home, but to his. The two of them spoke quietly, watching movies for the rest of the day.

At some point, Marcus figured out she was ticklish and was ruthless. She tried to squirm away from him, but he had her securely pinned to the couch. When he finally stopped, and she was able to catch her breath, her eyes locked with his.

She had one thought running through her mind and she slowly reached up to kiss him passionately. Her arms wrapped around his neck and his hands cupped her face. As they kissed, she experimentally rolled her hips against his. He lowly moaned into her mouth as the kiss intensified and their hands began to wander and explore.

He pulled away for them to catch their breath.

He stared at her and quietly asked, “Do… do you want… I mean… shall we move this somewhere more comfortable?”

Steel nodded and the two of them made their way into his room to finish what they had started.

In the early hours of the morning, Marcus woke to his phone buzzing quietly. He blindly reached for it as he blinked awake. He looked at his phone to see he had missed a call from Teresa. He stared at his phone confused, wondering why the hell she was contacting him.

He ignored his phone, not wanting to deal with her. He turned his attention to Steel who was passed out on his chest. He smiled down at her, kissing the top of her head as he settled back down into her arms. He fell asleep hoping that the time apart wouldn’t break them. He wasn’t sure if he could deal with another heartbreak.

Over the next few weeks, Marcus and Steel spent time together while also adjusting to the new addition in their life: Valentina.

At first Valentina wasn’t… thrilled to say the least… at meeting Marcus and finding out what he meant to Steel. Valentina always believed that Steel and her brother would get back together. Valentina was at times cold or standoffish when interacting with Marcus.

However, that changed when the two of them bonded over art. Marcus was a bit of an artist himself, despite his denials that he was any good. The two of them spent hours talking about their favorite artists and painting together.

By the time Marcus was set to leave DC, Valentina was just as sad as Steel to see him leave.

He assured the both of them that 6 months will pass by faster than they’ll realize.

“I’ll call, skype, text, everyday if need be,” Marcus promised them as the two of them hugged him goodbye.

“You better,” Valentina warned him shaking her finger at him.

Marcus and Steel shared one last kiss before he left.

6 Months Later

Marcus was working undercover in DC and was on his way home from his day of work. He was trying to stifle multiple yawns as he pulled up to his house, smiling when he heard his phone ringing. He parked as he answered the video call.

“Hello, my beautiful ladies. How are we today?” He asked them as he stepped out of his car.

“We’re doing great… in fact… you should turn around handsome,” Steel’s voice teased.

He did so, spotting a car pulling up to the curb. Any exhaustion he felt immediately left him as he spotted Steel and Valentina sitting in the car that was packed with stuff.

Valentina raced out to tackle him in a hug. He grunted softly as he wrapped his arms around her, returning the embrace.

“My goodness, you’ve gotten taller, my mini-Rosa Bonheur,” Marcus said with a smile, referring to one of her favorite artists.

“Hi, we wanted to surprise you! Are you surprised?” She asked excitedly.

“Very,” He said turning his attention to Steel as she walked up to join them.

“Hey handsome,” She greeted him as she held her arms out for a hug as well.

Marcus thought about hugging her but instead hooked his fingers into her belt, jerking her forward to pull her in for a kiss.

She smiled as they kissed, having missed kissing him. She also found she really enjoyed the feel of his scruffy beard. Her hand reached up to touch it, gently scratching at the feel of it. When she broke it, she giggled softly at the tickling situation she felt.

“Hm. Could get used to this. Shall we get inside my love?” She asked motioning toward the front door.

He nodded with a grin, leading the both of them inside. He showed Valentina where her room was; he had kept the room somewhat bare simply so that way she can decorate however she wants. Valentina was excited at the prospect of decorating it how she wants but was also tired. She curled up in the bed and passed out almost immediately.

Marcus and Steel chuckled softly at that, before leaving her to sleep. Marcus led Steel to the master bedroom, presenting the empty drawers and the empty half of the walk-in closet that he had set aside for her.

“I’ve missed you,” He whispered after a moment.

Steel looked at him, noticing he looked at her with an indescribable look.

She stood in front of him, looping her arms around his neck.

“I missed you too honey. These last 6 months have been… rough. Video calls and texts were simply not enough. I hope you are ready to take me out on many real dates and spend lots of time… acting out all of those whispered promises and salacious thoughts we’ve shared,” She flirted with him, pressing a quick kiss to his lips.

“Very ready. I’ve hated this time apart. Honestly… I was worried… that.. that we wouldn’t…” He couldn’t bring himself to say it.

“I know. Not going to lie, I had the same fears at first. However, I realized one thing in our time apart,” She said mysteriously.

“Oh? What’s that?” He questioned curiously.

“I love you,” She revealed gazing into his eyes.

His breath caught slightly at that; he was overwhelmed with emotions as the words danced around in his ears.

He picked her up suddenly, carrying her to the bed. As he placed her on it, and moved to hover over her, he kissed her several times. After about 10 kisses he said the words back, loving the smile that shined on her face.

The both of them were too tired to do anything more, but they spent some time kissing and enjoying one another’s company.

The next day, between the movers arriving and unpacking her car, it was a long and exhausting day. It took another week for everything to be fully unpacked.

The three of them spent their free time simply enjoying one another’s company while watching movies or enjoying dinners out. It was summertime which meant no school for Valentina so Marcus spent a great deal taking them to every museum or park he could think of.

Before they knew it a year had passed, his undercover work was done. To celebrate they were going to do something he never thought he would do: get a tattoo.

He wanted something small and simple; he chose a bullseye with two circles on his wrist.

“Circles to represent the most important people in my life,” He explained as the artist prepped his skin for the tattoo.

She smiled somewhat shyly at that, as she took hold of his free hand for him to squeeze through the pain. The tattoo took about 30 minutes and Marcus definitely crushed her hand a few times, but it was worth it.

As they drove home that night, Marcus was oddly chipper as they reached their house. Valentina had become friends with the girl next door and was sleeping over with her that night, so they had the house to themselves.

Steel had wandered into the kitchen to start making dinner when Marcus stopped her.

“I’m not… I’m not very good at this. I have a pretty bad history when it comes to this but here we go,” He began as he turned her to face him. “I am so deeply in love with you. You have made my life complete. You are always so attentive to me and checking to make sure I am okay. Something… I am not used to, I will admit. I have been divorced and had the world’s shortest engagement. I haven’t been with anyone who… who loves me unconditionally. You are my sunshine. The light of my life.”

He gradually got down on one knee and simply asked, “Will you marry me?”

He presented a simple ring with a glittering sapphire as the centerpiece with smaller diamonds circling it.

She tried to bite back the grin that threatened to appear, as tears formed in her eyes. She found she couldn’t speak and nodded her head enthusiastically, holding her left hand out.

Marcus slipped the ring onto her finger, standing up to kiss her passionately.

They had found each other out of happenstance and neither of them ever thought they would reach this point. Their hearts had been broken too many times before and love appeared to be a distant dream. They knew in that moment they had found the person they were meant to be with.

Bonus Scene:

Marcus who was up before Steel the next morning was drinking coffee and making pancakes when he heard the front door open, and a set of feet rush inside.

He turned to see Valentina racing into the kitchen.

“Did she say yes!?” She asked excitedly as she ran up to him.

Marcus nodded his head laughing at the cheer she gave.

“So, the tattoo idea worked? The whole “you complete me” thing?” She questioned further.

The two of them had come up with this idea a month ago.

Marcus said, “Yes. It did. She loved it. And I now have a tattoo that I can add on to if we decided to ever give you siblings or even pets.”

She paused in her happy dance at that last line.

“Siblings? Like… I mean… are you… are you saying you see me as your kid?” She hesitantly asked.

“Thought that was obvious little one. If you would like… and we’ll talk it out with Steel but… would you be okay if we adopted you? Steel has guardianship of you, yes, but this would make it more official, if you wanted,” Marcus suggested as he finished up the pancakes.

Valentina stared at him with wide eyes, blinking owlishly. After a moment she threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly.

He heard her lightly mumble that she’d like that, as he noticed Steel quietly step into the room, a smile on her face.

“Guess we should get on that then huh?” Steel said as she took a seat at the island.

Valentina pulled away to go give Steel a big hug as well. Marcus watched his two favorite girls talk and cry happy tears. If someone had told him 2 years ago that he would one day be engaged and about to adopt a child, he wouldn’t have believed them. This was better than anything he ever could have dreamed of and it all started because a woman with nerves of steel walked into his office.