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edelweiss-coffee · 2 years

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chapter nine is here! it is far more angsty than the other chapters, just a warning, but there is comfort <3

ao3

It was a little after five o-clock when all the boys met in Mike’s basement. Dustin and Lucas whooped and cheered dramatically at the sight of the tupperware on the table. It was left there as an afterthought, a bit less important to Mike and Will than the glaring blue bottles of alcohol that screamed to be hidden from Mrs. Wheeler’s sight.

Dustin lifted one of the tupperware containers.

“Macaroni! Thank God, dude. My mom made porkchops again,” Dustin complained.

“My mom made meatloaf, but I’ll never say no to Joyce’s mac and cheese. Tell her thank you, man,” Lucas teased, opening the container.

Mike disappeared up the stairs quickly, and returned with a pile of paper plates, and a handful of forks.

“Didja tell ‘em?” Mike beamed, nodding to Will.

“No, I figured you'd want to,” Will laughed.

“Well boys, I got some good news and some bad news. Bad news first, as always, right?”

He set the forks and plates on the table and the boys served themselves from the tupperware, nodding for the news.

“I got caught, like, bad, trying to grab Mrs. Byers’ wine,” Mike giggled, pushing his palm against his forehead.

“What? Mike!” Dustin cackled. “You idiot,” he shook his head.

"You guys don't understand," Will giggled. "It was horrendous, oh my God. He pulled it out of the shelf while she was standing right there, it was a whole thing," he explained, laughing to himself.

“Well then what’s the good news?” Lucas pried.

“The good news has a name. It’s actually Jonathan Byers,” Mike whooped, clapping his hands. He sped over to the couch and lifted the cushions, revealing the Seagrams bottles.

“He nabbed them while my mom was scolding us for trying to steal, ironically enough,” Will snickered.

Lucas lifted his fork, laughing. “The whole Byers family, backbone of the party tonight, huh.”

“Feeding us and giving us the party supplies, legendary.” Dustin added.

“It’s definitely my turn first tonight, by the way,” Lucas said.

“Your turn for what?” Dustin mumbled, mouth full of mac and cheese.

“To dare someone, I mean. Triple Dog.”

– – – – – –

The boys cleaned out both containers of mac and cheese with no issue. It’d only been around 20 minutes, but one should never underestimate a teen boy’s ability to eat his weight in cheese and noodles, especially if the cheese and noodles are homemade with breadcrumbs all over them.

“Who ya daring?” Mike asked, elbowing Lucas.

“You, Wheeler. Now, let me preface this, I don’t wanna cross any lines here–”

“I’ll tell them. I know that’s what you’re gonna say, and I’m not even mad. And no, it’s okay, it’s not fucked up to dare me to do it. If you were anybody else I’d be furious right now, but you’re just trying to help, so it’s fine,” Mike rushed.

The air was playful. There was no tension, no anger, and no resentment in the room. Mike spoke with an over-falsity of confidence sprinkled in his words, unbeknownst to himself, but not lost on the other boys.

Will and Dustin looked at each other, and then at Mike. Will’s eyes welled up with tears and Dustin slowly covered his mouth.

“Wait, you’re gonna–” Dustin started.

“Mike, hold on.” Will gently squeezed Mike’s arm. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I am. It’s fine, what’s the wors– I mean, what’s– Y’know, I don’t care. I’m serious, I don’t. You heard Jonathan. It’ll be fine,” Mike smiled, grazing Will’s hand.

He softly rubbed Will’s fingers under his palm, and intertwined their fingers. He pulled Will’s hand to his mouth loosely, and planted a kiss to the back of it.

“It’s fine. I love you. I’m gonna tell ‘em.”

“Damn, I didn’t even get to say the line!” Lucas chuckled, lightheartedly.

“Okay, you can say it,” Mike sighed, smiling at Will.

“Mike Wheeler, I Triple Dog dare you to go tell your parents about you and Will.”

“Hey Lucas? A word of advice; If you make any more gay friends, you have to let them come out to their parents on their own,” Will teased with wide eyes.

“The fuck does come out mean?”

Dustin scoffed.

“Come out? Lucas. Come out, like come out of the closet? Like the metaphor for telling the people you love that you’re gay?”

“The closet?” Lucas asked, bewildered.

“Oh my God, dude.” Dustin shook his head, half-laughing.

“Alright guys, I’m gonna go upstairs and come out of the closet, or whatever Dustin said,” Mike breathed.

“Shit,” he whispered, holding Will’s hand to his lips. “Shit, shit, shit.”

Will rubbed his other hand on Mike’s back.

“It’s okay. Please remember that you don’t have to do this. We won’t make you shave your head,” Will pleaded.

“It’s fine, Will. It’s fine. It’s gonna be fine,” Mike chanted, shaking his nerves out.

“Only Will can come up there with me, okay? I have no idea, like, not the slightest, what’s gonna happen, so I just– it’s sort of embarrassing, okay?” Mike muttered.

“Yeah, man. For sure. No problem,” Lucas nodded, a look of fear and confusion on his face.

“Good luck, Mike. We love you,” Dustin smiled. "Gonna give Lucas a little history lesson about gay people while you're gone."

“Yeah, thanks. Love you too,” Mike trailed, starting up the stairs.

“Mike–” Will started.

“Will, I appreciate the encouragement and the affirmations, but if you tell me not to do this, I’ll chicken out and I’ll be miserable. Either way, I’m probably fucked,” Mike whispered, pulling the other boy up the stairs with him. He took a deep breath as he opened the door, and let go of Will’s hand.

“Mom?” Mike chirped, voice shaking.

“Yeah, honey?” Karen spoke into the sink, rinsing Holly’s dinner dishes.

Mike moved closer to the sink, hushing his voice a bit. Will stood frozen at the basement door, fidgeting with his fingers.

“Remember when you told me that I could talk to you? A-about anything?”

Karen turned off the sink and removed her rubber gloves. She turned to Mike and looked at him closely.

“Of course, honey. What’s going on?”

Mike toyed with his hair. He was feeling ‘jumpy’, as he always called it. It was a textbook case of anxiety.

“I have to tell you something. You and dad,” Mike choked out, crossing his arms. His smile had left, and with it went all the color from his face.

“Honey, are you okay? You look like you’re gonna be sick,” Karen wondered aloud.

“I just have to talk to you guys. Me and Will, we have to talk to you. Both of you,” Mike cleared his throat, “Please.”

Karen’s eyes widened as she glanced at Will. Will raised his hand in a small wave, and a half-smile broke across his face.

Karen took Mike’s shoulders.

“Is this– is this serious?” She asked, glaring at her son.

“I don’t– think so? I don’t think the world’s gonna end or anything.” He let out a half-hearted laugh.. “I don’t know, it’s just something I ha– We have to tell you. Where’s dad?”

Karen left her hands on Mike’s shoulders, a somber look overtaking her features.

“He’s in the living room, in his chair,” she sighed. “C’mon, we’ll talk out there.”

“Okay, cool. Cool,” Mike breathed, opening and closing his hands in worry. “C’mon, Will,” he said softly, gesturing toward the living room.

Karen watched the boys walk together as she hung the dish towel on the stove. She took a deep breath before following them out to Ted.

– – – – –

“Hey dad, Will and I wanna talk to you and mom about something. Is that okay?” Mike asked, his voice an octave higher than before. ‘Jumpy’.

“Sure, son,” Ted droned, decreasing the volume of the television. He sat forward a bit in his La-Z-Boy. “What is it, boys?”

Mike made his way to the couch, next to his mother. Will followed, placing himself next to the other boy. The two of them nervously toyed with their fingers and the hems of their shirts.

“Well, I guess this is something that people do, so,” Mike mumbled. “I wanted to tell you guys that I’m uh– That I found something that–” He struggled. “I just wanted you both to know that for the first time in a long time I feel happy, like– truly happy, and–”

“That’s wonderful to hear, Michael,” Karen said, her tone hushed, as if to let him continue over her interjection.

Will picked at the tear in his jeans, glancing momentarily at Mike, then back down to his jeans.

“I feel happy, and I feel like I know what I want, and how I feel, and things have sort of um, clicked for me. You’re my parents, and you– you love me, so I wanted to uh,” he sighed deeply. “I just wanted to tell you that I’m gay. I’m gay. I love boys. I love Will,” he sighed, reaching for Will’s hand. He locked his fingers with Will’s and smiled. A weak, hopeful thing.

“Honey, I think that’s just beautif–” Karen started.

“You like boys, Mike?” Ted interrupted, now on the very edge of his chair. “You’re gay? That’s what you said?”

Mike gulped, gripping Will’s hand tighter.

“I said I love boys. I love Will. I’m with Will, We’re together,” Mike repeated, pointedly. His voice shook. He breathed in deeply, closing his eyes. Will looked to the other boy, worry plaguing his features. He bit his lip and looked at his feet.

“You’re young, son. You’re only a kid,” Ted droned. “You don’t know what you love. Kids don’t know what love is,” he sighed, sitting back in his chair.

“Ted,” Karen barked, eyes wide. She shot a soft smile at the boys on the couch. “Don’t dismiss him like that.”

“Like what, Karen? He’s a kid. He doesn’t know,” Ted argued.

“Your son just told you that he’s the happiest he’s ever been, and that he’s in love. He trusted us enough to come to us with this,” Karen hissed.

“And I’m telling my son that he doesn’t know what love is. I’m telling him that he’s only a kid. These things, these feelings, the hormones or whatever– they’re not real,” Ted repeated. “You’re still young, Michael. You might think that this is real, and I don’t doubt it feels real to you, but that’s just your teenage hormones playin’ tricks on you. You’re not gay, Mike. You’re not gay, that’s wrong. You’re wrong. You’re just a bit confused right now, is all.”

Ted sat back in his chair, turning the volume up on the television.

“Ted!” Karen interjected, to no avail.

“Confused? Are you fucking serious?” Mike barked.

“Mike, baby, language,” Karen whispered, resting her hand on her son’s shoulder.

“No mom, I’m not finished,” Mike yelled. “Interesting, dad! This is really interesting! Convenient, isn’t it? That when I was with El you said nothing! No talks about how I’m too young, not a word from you about how I’m just hormonal, nothing! Convenient that when I brought home a girl, you didn’t think I was confused, or too young,” he choked.

He let go of Will’s hand and sat on the edge of the couch cushion, pointing at his father.

“Real nice, dad! Real supportive and loving of you, dad! How could you say that to me? How could you deny me like this? I love him!” He screamed. “I love him! I don’t care what you say, you piece of shit! You’re a horrible father! How could you say that to me?”

The room was still, save for the moving images on the television, and Mike’s pointing fingers at his father. Ted didn’t look at his son once more. He remained glued to his television program, tuning out the screams of his son. Karen’s hand held fast on Mike’s shoulder as he hurled obscenities at a man one would swear was made of stone.

– – – – –

It was dark, then, when Mike’s voice gave up on him. The neighborhood was quiet enough that the rustling of the fallen leaves could be heard through a window. It was darker yet, when Karen stood her son up from the couch and all but carried him into the kitchen to get him a glass of water. Will followed, seemingly unsure of his every step inside the Wheeler house, after bearing witness to the situation that had just unfolded.

Mike nearly collapsed onto the floor when they reached the kitchen. The lights were left off, but nobody moved to turn them on. Karen met her son on the floor. Mike cried softly in his mother’s arms, the way he had every other time the world broke him. Will stood idly by, leaning against the counter. His eyes didn’t leave Mike.

“I hate him,” Mike whispered, weakly. “I hate him.”

“Honey, he’s your father. You don’t hate him,” Karen offered quietly, wiping Mike’s tears.

“I do, I hate him,” Mike argued, his voice broken.

“Okay, baby. Okay,” Karen whispered, her voice wet with tears. She wiped her eyes, and pushed Mike’s hair behind his ear. Hugging her son tightly, she nodded to Will, who came to her side.

Karen did something that the boys didn’t expect, then.

She handed Mike off to Will.

She pulled her arms from under Mike’s, and gestured for Will to replace them. She nodded as Will took hold of him. Mike melted into Will, sniffling quietly into his shirt.

“I love you, Michael,” Karen whispered. “It’s going to be okay.”

She kissed her son’s forehead and wrapped her arms around Will.

“Don’t ever let anybody tell you that love is wrong. It is never wrong.”

Mike lifted his head to meet Karen’s eyes. A look of fear and confusion washed over him.

“Mom?”

“I said it’s gonna be okay, baby. Love is never, ever wrong, okay?”

Her eyes moved to Will.

“You keep making my son happy, Will. Don’t let anybody ever stop you.”

A shy smile made its way across Will’s face. He nodded through tears.

“Okay, yeah,” he whispered. He looked down at Mike, buried in his chest. “Mike, let’s get back down to the boys, okay? It’s okay.”

He pulled the other boy to his feet, holding his face.

“It’s okay.”

Karen hugged the pair of them.

“It’s okay, boys. It’s okay.”

#byler #triple dog #byler fic #mike wheeler i know what you are #will byers best boy

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msbarrows · 6 days

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Sept 17 - Made a (small) vat of homemade tomato sauce to use up more of the tomatoes my brother grew this year. Once again pureed the non-plum ones and just cut up the plum tomatoes. And once again it was just enough sauce to have some with pasta for dinner and freeze two small tubs of it for future meals, so we're now up to 4 tubs in the freezer, yay.

Also went down to the pharmacy to pick up my various prescriptions and a glucometer so I can have some clue of what my actual blood sugar levels are (a year and a quarter after first being put on Metformin for type II diabetes). One of the women there sat me down and taught me how to use it, which turned out to be a minor comedy of not being able to get a sufficient blood droplet and then, once we DID, the meter decided to have an error rather than a reading, argh. We eventually did get a correct reading and ouch. I have cheated too much on carbs and sugars the last few days (curse the treats my brother picked up the last time he did groceries... I am weak to maple leaf cookies).

I ended up only having a small serving of pasta for supper because yeah, don't want to make that any worse.

Sept 18 - Part of day spent on glucometer related stuff, such as registering it online and getting its related app (bleah) and pairing it with my phone. Excitement. Blood sugar still on the high side but not as bad as yesterday.

Also spent a bunch of time winding the remaining balls of that blue cotton yarn that arrived on Sunday, as I'm close to finishing the first of them and decided I'd rather wind the remaining five skeins (which are rather loose and floppy) into proper cakes before using them. Did the first of them with the skein just loose on my desk and... yeah, not a great idea. Once it got down close to the core it went from "very loose ball" to "horrific tangle" very, very quickly. I ended up spending what was probably most of an hour working out knots to be able to salvage as much of the yarn as I could (and have put the knotted remainder aside in case I end up needing to pick that apart for a final bit of yarn when the sweater is close to done). After that I grabbed my yarn spinner and threaded each ball onto it before winding them, and that kept all but one ball untangled until fully wound. The one exception was only minorly tangled and easy to sort out. So I'm now doubly happy about having bought the spinner. Good purchase, past self! Very useful!

Supper was a meatloaf made of mixed ground beef and pork, with green peas, and boiled potatoes tossed with butter, seasoned salt, and smoked paprika.

#Thing A Day #September 2024 #Sept 17 #Sept 18

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jazzruinedmylife-blog · 1 year

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Friday 7/7/23

11:50 AM -- Matt’s basement studio. Recording Vanessa record. Waylaid by board buzz. 2-hour delay, finally remedied.

Arms loose. Feeling good. Bill D on drums. Excellent. Hand fulls peanuts on break. Cotton candy grapes.

5:30 wrap. 2 slices Avicolli’s pepperoni & banana pepper pizza. One frozen chocolate chip cookie.

6:45 -- Golden Coral. Mare’s b’day dinner w/neighbor Sue. Can’t eat again. Mare insists. Small hodge podge plate. Bits of stuffing, chicken fingers, meatloaf, etc. Split fluffy roll w/Mare.

8 -- Back home w/Sue. Oreo crust b’day pie. Sliver slice.

Dom relapse, hard. Texting. On SJ.

Exhaustion. Early sleep w/lights on. No Schlem.

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whereonceiwasfire · 2 years

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Drabble requests? Nah, here are some prompts I came up with just now for ya that I think could be short.

Dash bullying a wheelchair bound Danny...

Tucker and Sam lying to Danny about being okay while he's on a family vacation...

Amity Park accepting blob ghosts as part of their city despite the Fentons erupting every time they see one...

The GIW being terrible ghost hunters because they get defeated by mud...

Ghosts attack during a test, and when Danny *doesn't* go running to stop them, Mr. Lancer sends Danny, "to the restroom..."

Danny finds out why his parents think Mr. Lancer is a ghost...

Danny loses too much ectoplasm and his transformation fails him during vivisection...

Vlad confesses his love to Maddie along with his ghost powers, and he outs Danny in an attempt to prove he'd be the better father figure...

So many good prompts, thanks for sending these in! I ended up going with "Danny finds out why his parents think Mr. Lancer is a ghost" because that one made me laugh.

Danny’s not particularly paying attention to the conversation around the kitchen table, just busies himself picking at his dinner—something that might potentially be meatloaf. He pushes a chunk of it around with his fork, spears it, holds it up before his eyes. Abandons the utensil and stuffs the raw baby carrots—lazily poured from the bag onto his plate—into his mouth instead.

It’s not until his mom chimes in with, “well, you know he’s a ghost, dear,” that he startles, glances up, immediately blanching.

“Who—who’s a ghost?” Danny asks.

“Oh right, I had forgotten,” his dad says.

Jazz just rolls her eyes and scribbles in the notebook she has open beside her.

Danny clears his throat and tries again, a bit louder this time. “Who’s a ghost?”

His mom turns her attention over to him, lifts a brow. Her voice is still saccharine sweet when she says, “Well, your teacher, Mr. Lancer, of course.”

Danny looses a quiet breath, and gives a vague, relieved, “Oh yeah, right, sure.” Then, a beat, after he’s stuffed another carrot in his mouth, he blurts, “Wait, what?”

“Don’t tell me you didn’t know!” Maddie says, sounding affronted, like he just told her he never realized that the sky is blue before.

“I—why do you think he’s a ghost?” Danny ventures tentatively.

“Don’t encourage them,” Jazz mumbles under her breath without looking up from her homework.

But it’s too late for that. While Jack is checked out—shoveling potentially-meatloaf into his mouth without a care, that far-away look in his eyes—his mom is leaning forward on the table, gaze alight.

“Well, it’s quite obvious, sweetie,” Maddie says, twirling her fork through the air. She starts ticking the points off on the fingers of her other hand. “He’s always moaning and groaning.”

“Okay, but that’s just because he’s in his forties. Fifties? Thirties. I don’t know. That’s ‘cause he’s old and sore all the time.”

His mom carries on like Danny hasn’t said anything, “he’s always quoting long dead scholars like they were friends of his.”

“He’s an English teacher.”

“And,” his mom says, like this one’s the kicker, “I’ve never seen him outside the school. I think that’s his haunt. I don't think he can leave.”

“Mom, he works at the school,” then, under his breath, Danny adds, “And I don’t really think he has that much of a life.”

“Well,” his mom muses. “Maybe. But I still think he’s a ghost. We should bring the Fenton Ghost Peeler to the next parent-teacher interview, just in case.”

Danny gives a sigh, planting his elbow on the table, and his chin in his palm. He continues to push his food around his plate.

“Great,” he says flatly.

It wouldn’t even be the weirdest thing they’ve done at parent-teacher interviews. He wonders what it would be like to have normal parents.

“Oh!” Jack suddenly chimes in, loud enough that it startles everyone. “That reminds me! I think our mailman might be a ghost too!”

Well. Guess he’ll never know...

#drabble requests #phanfic #danny phantom #maddie fenton #jack fenton #jazz fenton #mr. lancer #talzane #thanks for the request!

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what-is-your-plan-today · 4 years

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Leave No One Behind

Ch 12- Win Some, Lose Some

Part 2

Co written with @icanfeelastormbrewing

Summary: After 2 years of being at the resort Ari and the other agents are gearing up for yet another mission, but there’s a little bit of trouble in paradise for him and Hannah…

Warnings: Bad Language words. Smut (NSFW, 18+ only)

Pairings: Ari Levinson x OFC Hannah Horowitz

Part 1

Ari woke the next morning and instantly realised something was missing. Simon’s ass from his face. With a stretch he cracked his neck slightly and opened one eye to find that Hannah was also gone. With a little yawn he sat up, rubbing his eyes before he swung his legs off the side of the bed and stood up, heading to the small bathroom. Once finished, he located a pair of swim shorts form the chest of drawers at the side of the hut and pulling them on he made his way outside.

Hannah wasn’t far away. In fact, she was stood straight in front of the hut at the water’s edge as Simon stood by her side, the pair of them simply looking out over the ocean which was alive with the rich, warm pinks and oranges of the rising sun. She was dressed in Ari’s shirt from the night before, her hair in a tangle of curls as it fell down her back, and there was something so raw and intimate about the moment it made Ari’s breath catch. Slipping back into the hut he located Hannah’s polaroid camera and quickly made his way back outside. He took a quick snap, and returned back inside, placing it back down along with the photo to develop before he strode back out of the door and down to the water’s edge.

Of course Simon heard him coming and turned, eliciting a little bark as he trotted towards him. He leaned down to give his dog an ear scratch before he smiled at Hannah who had turned her head over her shoulder to face him. She responded with a smile of her own, looking back at the ocean as he wrapped his arms around her from behind dropping a gentle kiss to her neck.

“You’re up early.” He said as her hands gently came to rest on his strong arms as they pulled her back into him, the fabric of the shirt she was wearing brushing against his bare chest.

“Couldn’t sleep.” She shrugged.

Ari’s nose nuzzled against the skin below her ear and he pressed another soft kiss to her jaw line “You still feeling a little down?”

Hannah took a deep breath and shrugged as her nails raked over his arms.

“You know, if it’s too much…you could go back.” He suggested and felt her still.

“As in, for good?”

“Yeah.” Ari shrugged, “Like I said, I don’t think we have an awful lot of time left…”

“I’m not quitting” Hannah said simply, turning in his arms. “I came to do a job, and I’m gonna see it through.”

“I knew you’d say that” he chuckled and Hannah watched her hands as they smoothed up over his pecs to his shoulders before she met his eyes.

“Why ask me then?” she arched an eyebrow as she looked at him, his hands flexing on her hips.

“Because I love you and I don’t wanna see you sad or unhappy because of me ever again.”

“This isn’t because of you.” Hannah shook her head “You egotistical ass.”

“Harsh!” Ari cocked an eyebrow as she grinned as he huffed out a laugh, “But I mean it Han. I don’t want you feeling like you have to stay.”

“I don’t” she shrugged “Honestly, don’t worry about me. It’ll pass Ari, I promise.”

She pressed her lips to his in a soft kiss before she glanced over to their left and nodded as two people passed them on the beach. “Guests are stirring, I should go shower and get ready for breakfast.”

“Ok.” He nodded and she looked up at him, biting her lip.

“Wanna come scrub my back?”

“You know…” Ari’s hands locked at the base of her back “The amount of times you ask me to do that, you should really invest in a loofah.”

“Yeah but, where’s the fun in that?” she grinned “Besides, why have a wolf and howl yourself?”

Ari gave a snort as she grinned again, stepping out of his hold, slipping her hand into his before she tugged him along with her over the sand towards their hut, Simon trotting behind them.

****

One of the best traditions the team had come up with since they had started running a now not-so-fake hotel was the party they always held the night before a group of tourists were due to leave. It was the perfect excuse to let loose and celebrate together with another group of satisfied guests, albeit not the ones that were counted on the board. There was always a great bonfire, drinks and good music all accompanied by lots of laughter and wishes of a safe trip back home.

That night was to be no exception to the rule and as Ari and Max were putting the final touch to the makeshift dance floor and checking the sound system, which had been upgraded since the first time they threw that kind of farewell party, Jake and Hannah were in charge of starting the bonfire under the watchful eye of Sammy. Rachel was looking after them all and ensuring they had a steady supply of beer before she settled down on Sammy’s lap. Simon stood a little away from the group, minding his own business which was chasing and trying to bite his own tail.

They were all discussing the choice of music for the night, as Ethan had sent them some new records with the latest shipment, and Max picked one out to check the sound system was up and running. As the upbeat sounds of Rio by Duran Duran rang across the beach the conversation had taken a rather odd turn, shifting to the discussion about who was the best front man- Simon Le Bon vs John Taylor.

"I used to have hair like John Taylor..." Jake piped up, taking a swig of his beer.

"So did Sammy." Hannah snorted, the look on her brother's face made her burst out with laughter as besides her Ari chuckled, his arm draped over her shoulders.

Sammy groaned. "Yeah, laugh all you want but we don't need to discuss that."

"And the stash?" she pressed, making Jake laugh out loud and Rachel chuckle. “Can we discuss that?”

Sammy glared at Jake and then at his sister. "Shut up, Han."

But, despite Sammy's deadly stares, Hannah continued her tirade. "You should have seen him. It was pretty...”

"Cool?" Jake cut her off.

"Disturbing." she blurted out with a grin.

"You two can kiss my ass." Sammy snapped at them, the pair of them dying with laughter by then, before he patted Rachel's hip and stood up to go and get changed.

A few hours later the party was in full swing, and the alcohol was flowing. Hannah who was visibly drunk by then had disappeared for some time and had returned with her polaroid and was busy annoying the boys with it.

“Pose for me guys…you’re so pretty.” She grinned, before she looked at her brother “Well, apart from you Sammy."

"Fucking fuck you Han." Sammy protested as he staggered, almost falling over.

Rachel started howling just as Ari chuckled and hiccuped. "You can’t, don’t talk to her like that man." he said, shoving Sammy a little, spilling some of his beer in the process. "Oops." he hiccuped again.

"She’s a dick." Sammy snarled.

"Yeah but man…just no." Ari managed to say, his tongue feeling thick and not quite cooperating.

"Lobo stop mooooving. I’m tryina take a photo." Hannah whined, looking at them. "Sammy can you just... like not be here. In the picture I mean." she said as she shifted her weight on the sand trying to not lose balance.

"Red if you make us stand here any longer my clothes are gonna go outta fashion." Jake complained as he let his head fall, his arms over Max and Ari's shoulders.

"Your clothes were outta fashion when my papa was alive, Jake." Hannah quipped, fast as lighting

"Bitch!" Jake groaned.

“Hey, don’t call my girl names, asshole." Ari teased, yanking Jake's arm off his shoulder and turning to shove him which ended in both men faking a heated fight on the sand. "For fuck sake Hannah." Sammy yelled, stepping away from Jake and Ari's mock fight. "Take the camera back inside. You’re drunk."

"So are you." she said, sticking her tongue out at her brother.

"Yeah but I ain’t holding a camera, it’ll end up full of sand or broken."

She paused and looked at him as his words sunk in, and then she shrugged “Yes Dad” and started walking towards her and Ari's hut, stumbling on the sand, drunk as she was. Only she stumbled a little more heavy than she was anticipating and unable to steady herself she was fully expecting to face plant into the sand, until a hand gently grabbed her arm to stop her from falling.

"Thanks." she whispered honestly as she looked up to see one of the younger guests from the group that had been diving with Jake the day before smiling at her.

“You’re welcome.” He spoke, but not loosening his grip, instead he kept his gaze locked on her, grin spreading across his face.

Max, who had been watching the guy with curiosity, nudged Ari and nodded his head towards the scene.

"What the fuck is that bastard doing?" Ari yelled, a big frown on his sweaty forehead as he released Jake from the headlock he’d had him in.

"Touching up Cracker...I think..." Max shrugged.

"Quit stirring Max " Jake spoke, brushing the sand off his shirt. "She tripped and he stopped her falling bud, that's it."

Ari groaned and took a sip from his beer, eyes still watching. Eventually he saw Hannah step back and laugh before heading up towards their hut. But he didn't miss the way the dark haired man’s eyes followed her, or the way his pals all nudged him and gestured in Hannah’s direction, all of them grinning.

"I’m watching you, you German bastard." Ari mumbled but loud enough for Sammy to hear.

"I told you. It’s always Germans." Sammy said before hiccuping.

"Fuck off. My parents are German." Rachel shoved Sammy.

"Yeah Sammy, the in laws won’t like you talking like that." Max scoffed and Ari snorted as Sammy's eyes opened wide with realisation.

"Sorry babe." Sammy apologized and then glared at Ari. Having heard his snort "Yeah, like my mother likes you, asshole."

“You know your mother loves me, jerk. So much so I went round for dinner last time I was home and she made meatloaf."

"What? Why did you…" Sammy stuttered and Ari grinned at him. "Fuck…"

"No, that’s Ethan’s job." Ari quipped, making everyone but Sammy burst out with laughter.

"You’re sick, you know that? That’s disgusting." Sammy glared at him.

"Everything is disgusting according to you." Jake stated, with a shrug.

"To be fair the thought of my mom banging my boss...." Max said, shuddering at the thought.

"Shut up Irving!"

"He’s very charming with all those elegant outfits." Rachel conceded.

"Yeah well he can go and charm someone else." Sammy glared at her.

"Don’t you mean some-mum else?" Jake snorted, making Sammy groan as they all sniggered.

"But Rachel has a point. None of you have seen his silk robe." Ari spoke and Max was fast in following suit. "Mama N has." He grinned at Ari who grimaced, readying himself for Sammy's final outburst.

"Will you all shut the fuck up?" he growled.

"Ok, ok sorry Sammy." Ari tried to calm him down as he shook his head

"What’s up? Are you angry again Sammy bear?" Hannah, who had just come back, asked noticing her brother's angry face. And she felt Ari's arm curl possessively round her waist, pulling her to him as he chuckled at Sammy's roll of eyes at her sister's pet name for him.

"Sammy doesn’t like Ethan banging your mother, Red." Jake explained, crooking a smile at Sammy.

Hannah wrinkled her nose at the mention of Ethan being her mother's partner. "Well... whatever" she started and then shrugged "Come on guys, let’s dance. I wanna dance." she suddenly changed topic as she grabbed Rachel's hand pulling her towards the “dance floor”.

"Bye then." Max raised his beer to the retreating girls.

"Yeah I’m gonna go dance too." Jake announced, and Ari saw his eyes flicker over a pretty blonde woman who was stood with a group of her friends.

"By dance you mean grind against some clueless tourist?" Max jabbed at Jake who flipped a finger at him as he left.

"They won't be clueless for long." Ari snorted. Half an hour later, after some dancing and more drinking, Ari noticed Hannah and Rachel were surrounded by the German Tourists who had all been watching Hannah. Ari was observing from a distance, the jealousy building slowly but surely, and when at one point he saw one of them wrap an arm round Hannah's shoulder and dip his head unabashedly towards her face he snapped.

"Fucker" he snarled as he started striding over but was stopped by someone grabbing his shoulder. He turned round only to see Sammy was the one holding him back.

"Don't cause a scene man. Han's got it, look." Sammy nodded his head in the girls' direction causing Ari to turn to look in time to see Hannah pulling away, her hands planted on the guy’s chest, shaking her head firmly.

"Yeah, back off asshole…" Ari hissed. "Wait. Is she smiling at him? Why is she smiling at him?" he asked Sammy, his eyes never leaving the scene though.

"She's just being polite." Max said in an attempt to downplay the issue.

"Sure." Ari snorted as he watched Hannah still smiling, her hands still on the guy’s shoulders. "Whatever. I’m ending this now." and he motioned to start towards the guy again. Sammy groaned and called at him to stop, but this time it was Max who physically did it.

"Look chill. There’s nothing going on there and like Sammy said, you’ll cause a scene. Besides Jake is close by."

But Ari was pissed and he was equally drunk, his alcohol fuelled brain wasn't working logically as all he could see was Hannah smiling at that guy that was far too close to her. As he stood watching, his jaw twitching, fists balling at his side, eventually the guy stepped back and held his hands up, turning to leave the girls alone.

Hannah watched the guy as he went, shaking her head at his complete and utter forward nature, and then spotted Ari. His handsome features which were usually soft when he looked at her were hardened and his gentle blue eyes blazed with rage she hadn’t seen in a long time. She frowned at the outward display of anger and she excused herself from Rachel and Jake and headed over.

"I’m gonna grab a snack." Max was the first to split, as soon as he noticed Hannah approaching.

"Good idea." Sammy agreed and they hastily headed off.

Hannah watched them for a moment as they left and then turned to Ari, whose jaw was twitching. "What’s wrong Lobo?"

"You tell me Firefly." he replied and she frowned at his flat tone.

"I don't know that's why I asked." she said softly, not wanting to fuel whatever was bothering him.

He scoffed. "You can’t be that oblivious."

Hannah stared at him and frowned again. "Are you talking about that guy just then?"

"Oh, so you do know what I’m talking about then."

She groaned, his jealous nature which was cute at times was at others fucking annoying. "Ari, he made a pass at me, I told him no. I'm not sure what else there is to say."

She frowned, feeling slightly puzzled not least because she had done nothing wrong but if Ari really believed what he had seen, then he surely would have been straight in there. He had done it before…

"Why you think he made that move?" Ari asked shrugging slightly at Hannah’s shocked expression.

"You think…” Hannah trailed off, her puzzled expression sliding into one of anger as she realised what Ari was implying and she narrowed her eyes. “You know what? Fuck this." she snarled and turned to leave.

"Firefly!" he growled. "Where do you think you’re going? Come back here! Hannah!"

Hannah stopped and turned to face him, gathering all the self-control she had in her not to slap him straight across his face for yelling at her. "To bed Ari. But for the record the only reason I'm not screaming at you right now is because of all these guests. You're being a fucking asshole, Levinson."

"No, I’m not." he hissed. "You’re being a brat Hannah."

"I’m being a brat?" she let out a sarcastic, hearty laugh. "Fuck you." she spat at him and with that she stormed off in their hut direction.

Ari stood frozen watching her leave for a moment and when the realization of what had just happened washed over him he kicked the sand. "Fuck!" and he paused for a few seconds, considering his options, before he went after her. He could tell she was aware he was just behind her as she sped up till she finally reached the hut and went to slam the door but Ari got his foot in the way.

"Nice try Firefly."

"Fuck you Ari." she spat those words at him again.

Simon looked up from where he had been dozing on the bed, his head cocking to the side at the raised voices.

"Hey! I’m the one who has the right to be pissed."

"No, no you don’t Ari!"

"Ok, now, you listen to me…" Ari said sternly as he brushed his hair off his face.

“I don't wanna listen. I'm done." she bit back.

"Fine, whatever." he said as he took off his shirt and went into the bathroom. He usually let her go first but not that night, he was making his point and was determined to stand for it, whatever it took or so he thought as he looked at his reflection in the mirror, his hands gripping the basin so hard his knuckles were now white. He sighed and tried to steady his breathing before sorting himself out and emerging into the room again.

"Can I go in now?" Hannah asked sarcastically, standing up from where she was sat on the bed.

"All yours." he replied, equally as sarcastic.

She stalked past him, staring straight ahead, before she shut the door behind her. Once alone in the room she sat on the toilet, her head in her hands as she started sobbing, all the rage she was feeling seeping from her eyes. That was not how that night was supposed to go, but she had no fucking idea what or why he thought she’d encouraged anything. And the hypocrite was talking just the previous day about keeping the guests satisfied after she’d teased him about flirting. Did he really not trust her that much? She was well aware they were both drunk, so that was probably worse than it should be but still…it hurt. She felt the tears sting her eyes and wiped them away as he breathed in deeply before standing to wash her face and clean her teeth.

When she came back into the bedroom Ari was led on his back, looking up at the ceiling. She made an effort to ignore him and grabbed a vest and a pair of shorts, changed and got into bed, turning so her back was to him before clicking off the small lamp at her side of the bed.

Ari turned his head to look at her, letting out a sigh. He hesitated for a moment but he then shuffled and turned towards her back and was about to stretch his arm out for her when she spoke.

"Don’t you dare touch me, Ari."

He grit his teeth at her hoarse voice. He could tell she had been crying but at that point in time he was pissed off. He tried to come up with an equally hurtful comment to show his annoyance but all he managed to say was “Good night firefly."

As no response came on Hannah's part, with an angry groan and a roll of his eyes he turned back the other way and for the first time since they started sharing a bed 2 years ago, they didn’t fall asleep wrapped up in each other’s arms.

And the space between them felt like miles.

******

The next morning Ari woke up to Simon, as always, led on his face. Pushing him off, the dog giving the usual low grumble of protest, Ari grimaced a little at the movement, his limbs feeling heavy. The room was quiet, but he could hear Hannah in the bathroom. With a groan he dropped his arm over his eyes in an attempt to keep the light from painfully flooding his system. His head was pounding and the inside of his mouth felt like he had been eating the sand from the beach.

He cast his mind back over the events of the night and he could remember drinking, fooling around and then everything going to shit. He really didn’t want to think about it, but his stubborn brain led him to replay it over and over again. The more he thought about it, the more he knew he had been an ass, but that bastard making a move to kiss his girl had sent him into overdrive. Fortunately the current set of tourists were leaving that morning and once they were gone Ari could concentrate on damage control with Hannah.

At that point the door to bathroom opened and he moved his arm away from his eyes to see Hannah stepping back into the room, already dressed in a pair of red shorts and a loose fitting white t-shirt that slouched off her right shoulder giving him a flash of her blue bikini strap. Ignoring the fact that the room was spinning, Ari sat up slightly in bed to look at her for a moment before he tentatively spoke.

“You woke up early Firefly” his voice was a little croaky, fuck he needed water.

“Couldn’t sleep” came the clipped response.

“Han…” he sighed, but she clearly wasn’t in the mood to speak to him.

“I think I’m gonna go for a walk on the beach.” She replied, her tone flat. Ari started to protest but she completely ignored him. “I need to get out of here. I’m suffocating”

“Hannah.” He tried again, and this time she took a deep, annoyed voice and snapped her head round to look at him.

“What?” she demanded.

He knew that speaking to her whilst she was still angry at him would merely result in them arguing even more so he sighed, shaking his head. “Nothing.”

“Whatever.” She rolled her eyes and walked towards the door. As she wrenched it violently open, Simon bounced off the bed and trotted after her as she left, slamming it behind her causing Ari to wince at the noise.

He lay back with a groan, cursing himself. Hannah was really pissed, and now his mind began to wander furiously. He had to make this right, he couldn’t risk losing her. Not again.

“For fucks sake Levinson, get a grip” he chastised himself. This was an argument, a stupid, ridiculous argument that’s all. Worrying about losing her was a little extreme. Wasn’t it?

He lay there, his mind arguing with itself for a few minutes before the sound of voices drifted through the lattice screens which covered the window to their hut. Knowing that he really should get up to see the guests off he kicked off the blankets and swung his legs off the side of the bed before he headed into the bathroom. After a quick shower he pulled on a clean pair of swim shorts and a light and pink hooped t-shirt before he shoved on his socks and hiking boots and headed out.

Breakfast was a quiet affair. Everyone was visibly hungover, plus the tension between Ari and Hannah was festering in the air casting a shadow over the usual well natured meal. There was no gentle touching, no longing looks, no grins, no giggles. The atmosphere was sour, and impossible to ignore.

“You ok, Han?” Sammy looked at his sister as she was picking at a croissant, not really eating much of it.

“Fine Sam.” Her response was short but not angry. Sammy frowned and looked at Ari who was drinking his coffee, deliberately avoiding anyone’s gaze.

Rachel and Jake exchanged glances as Max studied Hannah for a moment. Suddenly conscious everyone’s attention was her she pushed her plate away from her and stood up.

“Excuse me, I need to feed Simon.”

She moved away from the table, Ari following her with his eyes, his head bowing slightly once she was out of sight.

“Something wrong with Cracker?” Max asked.

“Leave it.” Sammy instructed, his eyes flicking to Ari’s before his best friend turned away. He then glanced at Rachel who gave a small sigh and stood up, ready to go and find her but Ari stopped her as he drained his coffee and issued an instruction.

“Make sure everyone is checked out, the bus will be leaving in 30.”

Rachel looked at him, blinking but she didn’t argue “Sure.”

With that he stood up and wandered outside, lighting up a cigarette. As he took a drag he leaned on the wall and out came the group of tourists that had been dancing with the girls the night before. He nodded his head to greet them, a little stiffly, offering no trace of a smile. His eyes watched the asshole that had made the move on his Firefly as he nudged one of the guys on his left, laughing as one by one they settled on the sun-loungers, a few meters away, suitcases by their side ready to depart.

Ari tuned his attention to the ocean, watching the early morning sun bouncing off the surface, and he was trying not to listen, he really was, but he just couldn’t help it when one of the guys, clear as day, asked the asshole if he had said goodbye properly to the Spanish hotty. Ari stiffened, and found himself suddenly undecided as to whether he was happy he could understand German or not.

“I wish.” The asshole laughed in his home language “She seems to have disappeared into thin air. I’m so pissed I only got to speak to her on the last day.”

“You’ve been eyeing her up since we arrived man!” one of the other guys shot back “Pity she turned you down.”

Another snorted “Yeah man, flat out no!”

Sniggers arose from the group and then one of them looked up, Ari hastily averting his gaze, but he clearly wasn’t quick enough.

“Keep it down, I’m pretty sure I’ve seen her with the owner”

Asshole shrugged “He’s American, not German, can’t understand us!”

Ari fought to keep his face straight. Dick.

“You know, you’re worse than that dog that wanders around!” the guy that had told them to shut up shook his head “You cannot keep it in your pants anywhere!” “Can’t help it. But come on, guys! You seen her?”

“Yes, yes we have. She cute.”

Asshole sighed “Pity we’re leaving, reckon I could have worn her down, got her on her back with a little more time.”

Ari felt his jaw clench, he’d heard enough. With a cough he cleared his throat and then felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see Rachel looking at him.

“All set.”

He nodded and turned back to the group of boys “Bus is ready if you want to climb up.”

They all turned to look at him and the one sat nearest on the edge of a lounger nodded. “Sure man.”

Ari watched them all gather their luggage and make their way back into the hotel. He nodded as they all walked past him, Asshole taking up the rear, and as he went to pass, Ari placed his arm over the doorway, hand curling round the edge of the frame, blocking his way.

“Hey…” Asshole began to protest but Ari fixed him with an icy glare.

“Next time you wanna talk about getting my girl on her back, maybe check I can’t actually understand you…and for the record, if you weren’t leaving today you’d be shark bait.” He hissed in German, before he moved his arm as Asshole swallowed, his eyes wide with shock and horror. Ari smiled and then spoke to him in English “Have a safe trip home, dick.”

The guy scurried away as fast as he could, Ari’s eyes burning a hole in his back as he left. Once he was out of sight the anger Ari was feeling gave way to guilt as he had basically accused Hannah of leading the asshole on, even though he knew that wasn’t the case. Hannah wouldn’t dream of doing something like that. Sometimes she could be a little flirty but then so could he, it was just who they were, and to accuse her the way he had done was ridiculous. But then again he had been drunk, and even when sober he was a total mess when it came to his girl, and now she was giving him the cold shoulder.

He had to fix this.

Taking a deep breath he headed inside to look for Hannah and found her in the office with Rachel. Immediately he spotted her red puffy eyes and the concern on Rachel’s face and that made him feel like complete shit.

“Rachel, can you give us a minute?” he asked softly. Rachel looked to him before she shrugged.

“Sure”

She turned and left the office, not before giving him a filthy look and once she was gone Hannah looked at him.

“What do you want Ari?” She sniffed and Ari took a deep breath

“Sweetheart, I'm sorry”

“Sorry for what exactly?” she tipped her chin up to look at him, and Ari should have known she wasn’t going to let him off with a mere, simple and overarching apology.

“Last night. I was out of order” “Talk about an understatement! You basically called me a slut.”

“No, Hannah.” Ari began to protest “That’s not what I said.”

“Not with those exact words maybe, but you implied it Ari.”

“It’s not what I meant.” He repeated his sentiment, “Look, I’m so sorry Han. I don’t know what got into me”

“You know…” Hannah shook her head “I knew you had this jealous streak in you but..” she took a deep breath and licked her lips .”I think I need some space”

At that she made to pass him in the doorway but Ari gently grabbed her arm. “Han, wait.”

“Let me go Ari”

Ari glanced down at his hand and released her arm “Hannah.”

“I just need to be alone.” She swallowed “Please.”

At that Ari gave a small nod and stepped to the side allowing her to leave. With a groan he ran both hand through his hair before his right fist slammed down on the desk in a fit of rage.

“Fuck!” he yelled out, his voice and the thud of his hand punching the desk echoed around the room and he ran his hand down his beard. He was really worried now that he’d completely screwed everything. Today was fast shaping up to be a complete shit storm and it wasn’t even midday yet. For a second he considered heading after her but he knew he needed to respect her request for space, so instead he headed into the bar area, grabbed a bottle of bourbon, necked a shot or 3 to sort his headache out and turned on his heels and left.

****

Later that afternoon Hannah was heading to her hut when Rachel stopped her and said that she needed Ari’s passport for some paperwork which Colonel Madibo requested when he had stopped by on his Annual Visit a month or so prior. Rachel had failed to find Ari so had instead asked Hannah if she could find it in his absence.

As usual when she needed something, Rachel couldn’t wait, so Hannah shrugged and headed back to the hut to see if she could find it and decided to try his backpack first off. As she dug around her hands curled around a leather book. Curiosity piqued she removed it to see it was a note book of sorts and she flicked open the first page, finding it simply to be a log book, written mostly in code but she recognised it as being a short hand that most agents were trained in. It appeared to be accounts of the missions they’d run but as she closed it, she noticed that there were a few photos tucked into the back cover. She gently pulled them out and smiled as she saw the first one was of Ari and Maya when Maya was a toddler. Ari’s hair and beard both much shorter. The next one was a Polaroid of the team at the front of the hotel, then there was one of her and Simon which she had never seen before, but that had been taken yesterday morning from the looks of things, and then one of her, Ari and Sammy which was of her graduation. She frowned a little, unsure why Ari kept this with him considering it was from so long ago at a time when they hadn’t even been together. She turned it over, as if expecting to find the explanation there but she didn’t find anything but Ari’s haphazard scrawl in the bottom right hand corner- “Firefly’s Graduation”

A wave of nostalgia washed over her as she thought back to that day, the gift Ari had bought her, and that being the time she realised she was hopelessly in love with him. She swallowed, before tucking the photos back where she found them. After a little more digging in the backpack she found his passport and headed back to the main hotel and into the office. She held it out to Rachel who smiled, the grin immediately slipping as she caught sight of Hannah’s face.

“You ok?”

“Yeah…have you seen Ari?”

“Not since before no.” Rachel took the passport she was holding out from Hannah “you know I’m sure he-“

“Yeah, I know.” Hannah shook her head, not wanting to talk about it anymore “Listen, Rachel, I don’t want dinner. I’m tired so I’ll grab something later if I’m hungry.”

“Ok, sure.”

She gave Rachel another smile before she made her way back out to the beach. She stood, hands on her hips as she contemplated going to find Ari to talk but before she could she heard Max yelling at her to take care of Simon who was chewing some of the equipment he and Jake were trying to store. With a groan she went to retrieve the pain-in-the-ass dog, took him back to the hut where she led on the bed and closed her eyes, completely drained.

When she woke a few hours later it was dark. The hut was completely silent apart from Simon’s soft snores and Ari was nowhere to be seen. Standing up she grabbed a warmer top as it had gone a little chilly outside and leaving Simon snoozing on her bed she wandered out onto the dimly lit beach to find him. The resort empty, not a soul to be seen, and it was completely dark apart from the light which was pooling out of the door which led to the main reception area. She made her way to the door which was open and saw Ari sat straddling the desk, legs dangling either side. They were swinging to and fro slightly, the muscles in his strong thighs straining and stretching as he did so, cigarette in his mouth as he studied the ‘Satisfied Guests’ board on the wall. With a soft sigh he led back against the desk, closing his eyes.

“Ari?” Hannah spoke softly and he turned his head sharply towards her. He eyed her for a moment, clearly trying to size up her mood and she allowed her face to soften slightly and he gave a slight smile in response.

“Hey firefly.”

“It’s late.” She stepped into the room a little more.

“I know.”

“So what are you doing sat on the desk?”

“Just reviewing our satisfied guest number.” He shrugged “Which is gonna go up tomorrow.”

“Exactly, so you should come to bed, you never sleep the night after a mission so…”

“I was gonna take one of the spare rooms.” Ari admitted and Hannah rolled her eyes.

“Don’t be so dramatic.”

“I’m not being dramatic” he shrugged. “You said you wanted space…”

“I’ve had space all day.”

“I know I just…well, was waiting for you to decide when you’d had enough…”

Hannah took a deep breath, bit her lip and nodded to the board he’d been studying. “Look at the back.” She instructed.

“What?” he frowned at her sudden change of subject.

“I said, look at the back of the board, Ari.”

He gave her another puzzled look before he shuffled over and spun it round, his eyes roaming the 5 digits that had been carved into the back. “3. 19. 80.” He looked at her “That’s you birthday 2 years ago.”

“Yeah.” She nodded, “I wanted that date permanently carving into something other than my brain.”

“I’m not…”

“It was the first time you told me you loved me” she explained softly, and Ari felt his eyes widen “I waited so long to hear you say it.” She took a deep breath “Which is why I can’t understand why you think I’d ever look at anyone else.”

Ari sighed, turning the board back round, as he spun his body to face her, legs dangling off the edge of the desk. “I don’t, Han. I was just being a stupid, jealous prick.”

Hannah took a deep breath, looking at him. His eyes were down cast, his face pinched with regret. She exhaled and shook her head “No more ok? I can’t deal with your stupid fits of pathetic jealousy and possessiveness.”

“I know, I know. I’m sorry.” He shook his head, looking down at his hands. “I just, well, you’re not the only one who waited so long for us. Sometimes I worry that, well you’ll realise that I’m just an asshole after all and that you could do so much better.”

“I already know you’re an asshole.” She shrugged, a smile playing on her lips “But you’re my asshole. And I don’t want to do any better.”

Ari’s eyes locked onto hers and he let out a deep breath, smiling softly before he gave a jerk of his head “C’mere…”

“Ari…”

“Just get up here Firefly”

The roll of her eyes and little groan would have maybe fooled anyone else into thinking she was frustrated, but not Ari. He caught the smile on her face as she walked over towards him and hopped up onto the counter. With a grin, Ari looped both his arms around her waist and clumsily pulled her with him as he fell back, both of them laying chest to chest, his arms round her holding her close. She gave a low chuckle, shaking her head.

“Dumbass.”

“Yeah.” He agreed, reaching up and tucking her hair behind her ears with both his hands. He then cupped her face gently, before he leaned up and gave her a soft kiss.

“I love you.” He said gently “And I really am sorry.”

“I know.”

“You know that I love you or you know that I’m sorry?”

She hesitated for a second before she smirked and arched an eyebrow “Both”

Ari chuckled and Hannah grinned and lay against Ari’s chest, snuggling into his t-shirt, the top of her head up under his chin. Neither of them said anything for a little while, just lay there basking in one another’s warmth, the argument forgotten until eventually Hannah felt her eyes growing heavy.

“Ari.”

“Yeah”

“Seriously, we need to go to bed.”

“Yeah…” he hummed back, his hands stroking up her neck.

“I mean it.”

“Mmhmmm.”

“Ari!” she said exasperatedly and he gave a low groan.

“Okay, okay…”

With what felt like a Herculean effort Hannah pushed herself up and hopped down from the counter, Ari doing the same, his boot clad feet echoing around the empty room as the soles slapped on the tiles. He stretched his arms, causing his t-shirt to ride up a little at the bottom as he ran both hands through his hair. Silently, he held out his hand and Hannah slipped hers into it, and together they headed out of the door pausing only to turn off the lights and make sure the main doors were locked.

**** The next morning was hectic, for two main reasons. A new batch of guests had arrived and in between that they were doing the preps for the mission later that evening. Rachel and Hannah were busy with the guests whilst Max, Jake and Ari were busy with the equipment. Radios needed to be tested, the trucks needed to be checked over to ensure there would be no mechanical issues and Sammy was busy making sure the medical supplies were stocked and packed.

Once that was gone, Ari took himself off for a run, in an attempt to burn off some of the usual nervous energy he had the day of a mission. He was out for a good hour, and as he rounded the edge of the cove onto the last few hundred yard stretch of beach up to the resort he spotted a few new guests were sat out in the sun reading and chatting. He nodded to them as he rounded up the small path off the main shore line, coming to an abrupt halt as Simon ran up to him from goodness knows where, almost tripping him over.

“Hey bud…” Ari panted a little, removing his headphones and clicking off his walkman “Where’s mom?”

“Here.”

Ari spun round to see Hannah stood there in a pair of shorts and a white tank top, the strings of her bikini visible round her neck, her hair damp.

“Hey sweetheart.” He smiled, and she took a moment to look him up and down, noticing the sweat dripping from his forehead and his damp t-shirt that was sticking to his torso. “Pervert.”

She shrugged and grinned before she spoke again, her cover accent thick on her tongue. “Good run?”

He nodded as he continued his deep breathing looking round “Not as much fun as this morning’s exercise though.” He flashed her a cheeky wink as she chuckled and took the soft kiss he offered. “How’ bout you? Good dive?”

She nodded “Still waiting for that elusive Hammer-Head sighting. You know, I’m beginning to think Irvine made it up.”

With a chuckle Ari gently looped an arm round her, pulling her to him as they headed into the main room of the resort, Hannah shoving against him, protesting at the fact he was basically wiping his sweat all over her but their teasing and joking died down as Rachel immediately accosted them, her German accent flawless as always.

“There you are. I was just talking about you with our new guests.”

Ari looked up to see 3 people in chairs in the reception area, and as the man in front of him stood and turned he saw it was Walton Bowen, the guy from the CIA that he had last seen in Khartoum Airport.

“Mr. Thomas, nice to see you again.”

“Now this is a surprise.” Ari smiled, shaking the hand Bowen offered before his hands dropped to his hips, his breathing still recovering from his run.

“Well, I'm sure it is. You're not an easy man to find. I think I saw you nearly two years ago. You were an anthropologist back then.” Bowen eyed Ari shrewdly taking a drag from his baby cigar.

“Right, well...” Ari smiled again, “Didn't pay the bills.” He offered as means of an explanation for the huge change in career direction.

“Yeah…” Bowen looked at him again, his eyes then flicking to Hannah.

“Sorry, where are my manners.” Ari apologised, “Rosa, this is Mr Walton Bowen. Works for the US Embassy?” he made it a question, even though he knew full well all about Bowen’s actual background having been debriefed back in ‘79 following his arrest.

“Of a fashion” Mr Bowen smiled. “Cultural attaché”

“Right.” Ari nodded “Well, Mr Bowen, this is Rosa Garcia, my partner and head of guest relations.”

“It’s a pleasure.” Hannah smiled, shaking Bowen’s hand.

“Likewise.” Bowen smiled, releasing her hand.

“And you’ve already met my general manager, Angela.” Ari concluded and both Bowen and Rachel nodded in agreement before she spoke.

“I was just about to give Aziz the dinner order, will you be staying?

Bowen shook his head “That’s very kind but, no thank you. We’ll need to get back.”

“Ok, well in that case can I grab you anything for now?” she asked.

“I could go for something.” Ari looked at her, knowing full well the mission meant he would miss dinner and they usually ate a little earlier. Rachel understood perfectly and gave him a nod, turning to go.

“I’ll help.” Hannah turned to Ari who nodded and dropped a kiss to her temple before she hurried out after Rachel. He turned back to Bowen who was simply looking at him, his eyebrow raised a little.

“She a guest who never left or…”

“It’s a long story.” Ari smiled.

“I’m sure it is Mr Thomas.”

Ari nodded and then gestured towards the dining room, indicating one of the tables. “Shall we?”

Bowen turned to the two people who were with him and with a jerk of his head they moved outside. Ari watched them go before he nodded and the two men made their way over and settled at the large table the team usually ate round. Ari grabbed them both a bottle of water from the fridge at the far side of the room and settled in a chair, his elbow leaning on the back of it, as relaxed as he could make himself. They made small talk until Hannah and Rachel, or Rosa and Angela even, having had Aziz fix some crudités and hummus brought them out and dropped them onto the table before they too moved outside to take some to the two other unannounced guests. As Ari watched Hannah then walked back past them into the kitchen, and he returned his attention to Bowen, trying to appear interested, all the time simply waiting to find out what the man had actually turned up for. “Well... the hawks are demanding stricter Sharia law. Nimeiry is increasingly paranoid.” Bowen spoke, dipping a carrot into the hummus. “If you ask me, this entire country is a fucking tinder box.”

“Really? We don't really feel that out here.”

“No?”

“No.”

At that they both looked up as Hannah walked back into the room with a jug of iced tea and placed it in the middle of the table.

“Thanks honey.” Ari smiled at her as he reached for it “You wanna join us?” He paused and glanced at Bowen who gestured with his hand to say he didn’t mind so he poured 3 glasses and Hannah sat down at the seat next to him. Ari sat back in his chair, his arm casually draping over the high back of hers, her hand dropping to his thigh, fingers curling around the curve of the muscle, gently squeezing. He was tense, she could feel it. She softly rubbed his skin and his hand moved slightly in response, the pads of his fingers began tracing random shapes on the top of her arm.

“State's sent cargo planes for us, ready to evac in the event things take a turn for the worse. Oh. -And this refugee crisis, it's... it's really not helping.” Bowen shook his head as he looked at Ari, then Hanna, who met him with a blank look.

“Refugee crisis?” Hannah frowned.

“Yeah, you have entire refugee neighbourhoods just disappearing.” Bowen gestured with his hands “Into thin air.” “And that’s bad?” Hannah’s voice was puzzled. “Refugees are normally viewed as a burden, I’m not following.”

Clever girl… Ari looked down at the table, scratching his head

“The UN offers a stipend to the Sudanese for every refugee they house, so when people start to disappear that's just... bad for business.” Bowen finished matter of factly.

At his blasé tone, Hannah felt herself growing a little angry at the way he was talking about real life people. Her people more specifically, as if they were nothing but commodities to be traded.

“Well…” Ari cut in, “The only crisis we face is whether or not we catch fresh lobster.” The three of them laughed as Ari shook his head. “Just kidding.”

“Well, I just got back from Gedaref, where the Mukhabarat had executed another 30 people.” Walton Bowen deadpanned and instantly the mood around the table changed. Cold washed over Hannah and besides her Ari shifted ever so slightly in his seat, the smile slipping from his face. “This is quite serious.2

Ari inhaled deeply and raised his eyebrows, he was done. They had a mission to prep for, and now more than ever he had to make sure that it was a success especially as his prediction seemed to be coming true- the net was closing in on them now and who knows how long they had. “I'd like to stay and chat, but I gotta get back to work.” He spoke, looking at Bowen.

“Yes, we have dinner to do and some night diving to prepare.” Hannah added.

“Sure. Okay.” Bowen nodded as the two of them stood up “Enjoy the...” he waved at the food on the table with his other hand as they both walked towards the exit, but Walton said something else that stopped them both in their tracks.

“Kabede Bimro, right?”

Ari glanced at Hannah, the pair of them hastily covering their shock with what they hoped looked like a confused glance and Ari shot a look at Bowen “Excuse me?”

“Hmm? Oh I just think it's such a funny name. Kabede.” The man shrugged.

“Yeah…” Ari made a face as if he found the whole thing baffling, before he turned back, his hand dropping to Hannah’s back but before they could move Bowen spoke again.

“And what about Ethan Navon…”

Hannah gave a little start. It was slight, an almost imperceptible slip, but a slip none the less. She swallowed, recovering, and turned to look at Ari, frowning.

“Guy, do you know what he’s talking about?” she asked.

Ari shook his head “Not a clue Firefly” he used her nickname in the hope it would calm her, and also to play the whole situation as naturally as he could. He looked at Bowen “I really have no idea who these people you’re talking about are, should I?”

“You tell me”

“I wish I could.” Ari gave a chuckle, shaking his head again, and giving Bowen a look that he hoped made the man believe that Ari thought he was crazy.

“You know, Mr Bowen…” Hannah spoke again “It’s getting late and it can get dark out there pretty quickly. If you’d like a room for the night we can fix it.”

“Not necessary, but I wouldn’t mind a look round.” Bowen shrugged “Maybe I’ll come stay sometime in the future, that is if I’m still in the Country, of course.”

“Go ahead” Ari nodded “Just shout if you need us.”

At that the pair of them made their way as calmly as possible from the dining room and into the kitchen, where the rest of the team was congregated. “What's the CIA doing here?” Sammy asked, “What did he want?”

“I don't know.” Ari ran his hand over his beard.

“He mentioned Dad, Sammy. Hannah looked at him.”

“I heard” Sammy nodded.

“I think he was trying to warn us.” Hannah shrugged.

“Fuck! He knows about Kabede.” Jake slapped his palm on the side behind him and Ari stood up tall, looking through the doorway at Bowen before he turned back.

“We gotta go.”

“No, this is just so fucking stupid.” Sammy shook his head “Tell Kabede it's too dangerous. We'll pick it up in two weeks when we have a chance to assess the threat.”

“We have 200 people—“ Ari began to protest but he was cut off by Sammy

“Yeah, and we'll have 200 people less if we fuck it up.” He hissed.

“For fuck's sake, Sammy, will you just trust me for once?”

“Well, if we're doing this, we need to leave now.” Hannah spoke, looking around “So what's it gonna be?”

Max, who hadn’t spoken a word since Ari and Hannah had joined them, swallowed the sandwich he had been eating and wiped his hands on his shorts “We go.”

“That simple?” Sammy looked at him and Max turned to Sammy, fixing him with a stare.

“Yeah, that simple.”

#leave no one behind #ari levinson #ari levinson x ofc #ari levinson fanfiction #red sea diving resort #red sea diving resort fan fic #chris evans characters

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hopelikethemoon · 4 years

Text

Day One (Javier x Reader) {MTMF}

Title: day one Rating: PG-13 Length: 2700 Warnings: None. Notes: You can find the Maybe Today, Maybe Forever Timeline here. Set in March of 1987. If you want to learn more about Carlos Lehder you can here. Also, side note.... I’m playing fast and loose with Steve and Javier’s backstories. Similar but timelines adjusted a smidge. Summary: Reader’s first day with the DEA.

Taglist: @grapemama @seawhisperer @huliabitch @pedropascalito @rogrsnbarnes @thewallpapergoesorido @twomoonstwosuns @gooddaykate @livasaurasrex @ham4arrow @hiscyarika @plexflexico @readsalot73 @hdlynn @lokiaddicted @randomness501 @fioccodineveautunnale @roxypeanut @just-add-butter @snivellusim @amarvelousmandalorian @lukesrighthand @historynerd04 @mrsparknuts @synystersilenceinblacknwhite @behindmyeyes-insidemyhead @exrebelshocktrooper @awesomefandomsunited @ah-callie @swhiskeys @lady-tano

You stared at your reflection in the poorly-lit bathroom mirror. The U.S. Embassy was about what you expected it to be. A building made of concrete and tinted glass, fashioned into an imposing structure — which stood in a sea of equally ugly hideous brutalist buildings.

Your nerves had gotten the best of you. After a meeting with your supervisors, you’d ducked into the bathroom for a breather… rather than heading straight for your new office. You had done as much research as possible on the two men you were going to be working alongside of for the foreseeable future.

Stephen Murphy had been raised in West Virginia and had attended university for criminal justice in the middle-of-nowhere… honestly, who knew they had universities in Bluefield, West Virginia? He had gone straight to Miami after graduation, diving headfirst into cocaine and the city’s rampant crime. God were you glad you weren’t stuck in that hell hole. After enough success the DEA had thrown him at Colombia, in hopes that it would stick. As far as you could tell he was newly married to a nurse who had followed him to Colombia.

Javier Peña had taken a different route to Colombia. He had a flouncy psychology degree from one of the best schools in Texas. Straight out of college he somehow landed himself a job as a Sheriff’s Deputy, before the DEA recruited him to play special agent in Austin, Texas. He had actually volunteered for Colombia… which you couldn’t say much about, considering you had technically volunteered too.

You wanted upward mobility and if you had stayed in the states — your career would’ve hit a brick wall. At least in Colombia you had a chance to make a name for yourself. No one gave a shit about the country, but the shit going on… one day, it would end up in the history books. And you wanted your name alongside it.

“You’ve got this.” You told yourself in the mirror, before you headed out of the bathroom and down the long hallway that led towards the DEA’s office.

“Good morning, gentlemen.” You said with as much enthusiasm as your nerves would allow you to summon.

“You don’t have any shit for your desk?” Asked the dark-haired one, looking up at you from over the file he was reading.

You blinked, looking towards the light-haired man who was chuckling at his desk. At your expense? The glare you shot him cut his amusement short and he quickly got out from behind his desk and approached you. “Steve Murphy.”

“Pleasure to meet you.” You offered with a smile as you shook his hand. You glanced out of the corner of your eye, before you turned to look at the other man. “Which makes you—”

“Javier Peña.” He drawled out with a too-charming smile, reaching across the desk to shake your hand.

“Of course.” You said with a slight edge to your voice as you shook his hand.

“You’ve got a good handshake, I guess we’ll keep you.” He remarked, before he leaned back in his seat and fixed you with a sweeping look. “Why the hell are you in Colombia?”

“Why are you?” You shot back, moving towards your desk. Maybe you should’ve brought your own shit. Aside from the typewriter and a file sorter with a few used manila folders — it wasn’t much to write home about.

You glanced in the direction of Javier, catching him staring at you before he pretended like he wasn’t. You rolled your eyes and prayed he wasn’t going to be one of those guys. You’d had enough of them in the past.

“Here.” Steve said, offering you a styrofoam cup that had a couple pencils and pens in it. “You’re going to need these.”

“Thank you,” You said with a genuine smile, sitting the cup down on your desk next to the file rack. “I probably should’ve brought some supplies, but that’s what tomorrow’s for — right?”

Javier snorted, “Tomorrow we’re headed for Facatativá.” He got up from his desk and threw a folder down on your desk. “You want in on it?”

You picked the folder up, flipping through the first couple of pages of typed notes. “Is this your chicken scratch?” You questioned as you eyed notes in the margins.”

“You get used to it.” Steve assured you. “Escobar’s allegedly attending a party hosted by a few of accomplices.”

“Celebrating that Forbes article?” You questioned with a short laugh. “I’m in. We leaving at o’dark?” Your eyes flickered towards Javier, deeply amused by the impressed look he wore.

“Diving in headfirst, huh?” He questioned, pursing his lips with a nod. “We’ll be heading out about this time tomorrow morning.” Javier explained, glancing at the clock on the wall across the office. “It’s an hour’s ride out, we’ll settle.”

You nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”

He steepled his fingers, leaning his elbows against the desk. “Let’s see how you do.”

“Underestimating me already, Peña?” You questioned, cocking your head to the side. “Didn’t see that in your file.”

Steve laughed, “She read your file.”

You turned to look at him, “Slow down there wild and wonderful. I’ve read both of your files.”

Javier clicked his tongue against his teeth, “Find out anything good?”

“You think I’d tell you what I know?”

He shook his head with a chuckle, “That tells me you don’t know shit.”

“Webb County Sheriff’s Office, Laredo, Texas.” You stated with a smirk. “You must’ve had some balls going home after college, all things considered.” The juiciest morsel that you’d found in his record had been an engagement announcement in the Laredo Morning Times. No mention of the fiancé afterwards, however. “I’m good at what I do, Peña. Don’t underestimate me.”

“Duly noted.” He mirrored your smirk, before he looked towards Steve then. “I’m replacing you. This one’s my new number one.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere.” You told him with a roll of your eyes. “Whatever this charm thing is you keep trying… will probably work on Murphy before it works on me.”

“Hey!”

“Sorry.”

Javier grinned at you. “I… was dreading this whole change.” He gestured between the three of you. “But you can hold your own. I'm impressed.”

“Well, I didn’t come here to impress you. I came here to take down Pablo Escobar.”

Steve approached your desk with a stack of files, “I pulled the records on known accomplices, there’s a few mugshots, newspaper clippings… good shit to familiarize yourself with.”

“Thank you.”

“Also, my wife cooks a mean meatloaf and she’s dying for friends that don’t work at the hospital.”

“You never invite me over dinner.” Javier complained, flipping Steve off.

You rolled your eyes and smiled politely, “I would love to come over, but I don’t eat beef.”

“She can cook other food.” Steve laughed.

“Sounds like a plan.”

—

The Murphy’s had a nice apartment — it felt lived in, which you couldn’t say for your own apartment. In your defense, you had only lived there for a week and you had never been particularly sentimental. You’d only brought two suitcases and shipped a box of personal effects to the embassy — everything was locked away in a storage facility back in the states.

“Connie, dinner was delicious.” You said as you wiped your lips off with a napkin. “I felt like I was back home.”

“I’m glad Steve invited you,” She said with a smile. “I don’t know how you can do it. I hear the stories he tells.”

You say up a little straighter, “As soon as I found out they were looking for a new agent, I jumped. This was the break I have been hoping for.”

“So what are your plans?” Steve questioned, leaning against the table. “Off the record.”

You chewed on your bottom lip, “Easy answer is take down Pablo Escobar, but…” You shrugged your shoulders. “It’s hard as hell to make a name for yourself in this field. A good name.” You reached for your beer and took a swig. “And that’s what I want. What I really want.”

Connie and Steve exchanged a look.

“Sounds like you’ve got it all mapped out,” Steve said with an approving nod. “You want to be someone kids can look up to?”

“No one believed I could make it here.” You pressed. “But I did. I want girls like me to know they can go farther.”

“Then stay away from Javi,” Connie warned as she got up from the table and cleaned up the dinner plates. “I’ll get dessert.”

Your brows furrowed as you stared at Steve. “What does she mean?”

He shrugged a shoulder and scratched at his jaw. “Javi’s a good guy.” He assured you. “But he’s got a bit of reputation.”

You laughed, crossing your arms across your chest. “Was that what this was about? Maybe he’s not able to keep things professional, but I can.” You gritted out. “Rule number one is — don't shit where you eat.” Not to mention Javier was not your type. Sure, he was handsome, but he was also… a typical government agent.

He’d made his assumptions about you before he had even met you.

“I’m flattered that you’re concerned,” You told Steve. “But I’m good. He can make a fool out of himself, but… no.”

“I’m just warning you.” Steve said with a small smile. “I know how he is.”

“And I’ve worked with a dozen like him.” You said dryly. “And surprisingly haven’t fallen for their charm. Peña is no exception.”

“I made trifle.” Connie announced as she returned.

——

“Is that a fucking cactus?” Javier questioned, staring at the small potted cactus you had brought to put on your desk.

“No, it’s a sequoia.” You shot back with a roll of your eyes. “Come on Peña, don’t just say shit to get a redundant response.”

He stared at you, jaw clenched. “I’d flip you off, but that doesn’t seem appropriate.”

You turned your cactus carefully, gesturing towards the little growth sprouting up. “My cactus doesn’t mind flipping you off.”

“Real cute.” Javier huffed, moving across the office to grab the banker box off Murphy’s desk. “You smoke?”

“Not really.” You shrugged. “I’ve got to be in the mood.”

“And what gets you in the mood?”

Steve cleared his throat as he walked into the conversation, giving you a pointed look — which you disregarded.

“It’s an after sex thing.” You said with a shrug. “Or when I’m bored.” You looked towards Steve, “Problem?”

“There’s two of you.” He raked a hand over his face. “I’m never going to get a moment of peace again, am I?”

“This is purgatory, Steve. Didn’t you read the handbook?” You teased.

You couldn’t help but grin at Javier when he looked in your direction. You weren’t an idiot — you would gladly heed Steve’s warning, but you couldn’t help it. You wanted to play along with Peña’s stupidity, just a little bit. You never turned down good banter.

——

“I should’ve brought sunglasses.” You groused, shielding your eyes as you looked through the windshield at the house you were watching.

“Here.” Javier pulled his aviators off and offered them to you.

“What about you?”

He shrugged, “You need ‘em.”

“Thanks.” You smiled, taking them from him and putting them on. You pushed them up the bridge of your nose as you settled back against the seat.

“Hey,” Murphy started, leaning in between your seats. “Javier, did you bring the junk food?”

“Trunk.” He answered shortly, waiting until Steve had turned around in the backseat to look for the junk food.

Javier nudged your arm, smirking as he opened the center console to reveal two bags of Sour Cream and Onion. “My favorite.”

“A good choice.” You laughed, glancing back at Steve who had looted a bag of Goldfish that looked like it had much seen better days.

“Don’t worry, I’ll share with you.”

“We’ve moved from flattery to bribery now.” You grabbed a bag out and tore it open, popping a chip into your mouth.

Steve cranked the back window down, “Javi, you got a light?”

Javier reached into his pocket and pulled out a lighter, passing it back to Steve.

“Make sure you don’t leave a pile of butts outside the window.” You warned Steve as you turned around to look at him, “It’s a sure fire way to find out that someone’s been watching you all day.”

“Touché.” He nodded, taking a puff from the cigarette as he passed the lighter back to Javier.

“Want one?” Javier questioned you, pulling his pack out of his jacket pocket and tapping it against his wrist.

You chewed on the inside of your bottom lip as you stared at him, “Sure, why not.” You relented, shrugging a shoulder as you held your hand out.

Javier didn’t give you the cigarette straight away, instead he made a show of lighting it for you, before he offered it to you.

“Thanks, Javi.” You said lightly, wrapping your lips around the cigarette and taking a drag. You leaned back in your seat as you drew the cigarette away from your lips on an exhaled. Your eyes flickered out the window, watching as more people made their way into the house. “Isn’t that Carlos Lehder?” You questioned, sitting your cigarette down in the ashtray before you grabbed your binoculars.

Sure enough, it was Lehder. He had walked out of the house, still yucking it up with another man who you didn’t recognize.

He had all of his bank accounts frozen, didn’t he? I’m surprised he’s still showing his face.”

Javier clicked his tongue against his teeth, “We’re gonna follow him.”

“That’s not the plan.” Steve slapped the back of Javier’s seat. “We’re watching for Escobar.”

“And Lehder hasn’t shown his face in three years.” Javier pointed out.

You followed him with the binoculars, “Look! He’s leaving.”

“We need to trail him.” Javier put his cigarette out and turned the car on. “Put them down.” He told you, grabbing the string of your binoculars and tugging lightly.

“I am, I am.” You assured him, tucking them back under your seat. Your heart was hammering in your chest. It looked like your first day in the field was going to be an exciting one.

———

“Now, don’t get cocky.” Javier told you as he took a sip of his beer, angling himself in the booth so he was facing you. “Every day is not going to be that exciting at the DEA.”

“You mean I’m not going to bag one of the top three guys the U.S. wanted extradited out of Colombia every day?” You deadpanned, shaking your head solemnly. “Damn.”

Steve laughed and pointed at you with his beer bottle. “You didn’t do it alone.”

Javier waved his hand, “Oh, fuck off Murphy. Neither of us had eyes on the door.” He nudged you in the arm. “This one and her research.”

“I’m good with faces.” You shrugged, before you confessed. “And I might’ve made index cards.”

He snorted, “What? Studying for a test?”

You flipped him off, smirking as you downed the last of your beer. “Did it work?”

“Yeah, it worked.” Javier grinned at you. “You’re good.”

You rolled the base of your beer bottle on the edge of the table, glancing towards the bar. You had noticed a man at the bar eyeing you for the past half hour. He was nice looking and after the day you’d had…

You looked between Steve and Javier then, “If I’m not at work in the morning… that guy at the bar probably killed me.” You nodded your head in the direction of the man, watching Javier as he looked towards the bar.

“Is there a problem?” He questioned, his shoulders tensing.

“No. I’m getting laid tonight.” You laughed, scooting closer to Javier so you could reach into his jacket pocket. You pulled out the pack of cigarettes and pulled one out. “For later.”

“Have fun.”

Steve’s brows drew together as he looked at you. “Page us if you have any problems.”

You took Javier’s sunglasses off your shirt and passed them back to him. “Have a good night guys, I’ll see you in the morning.”

Your eyes lingered briefly on Javier’s face, before you turned away and headed for the bar. He had an entirely unreadable expression written on it. You didn’t know him well enough to figure him out yet. Maybe you would one day.

#javier pena #javier pena x reader #pedro pascal x reader

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wiypt-writes · 4 years

Text

Leave No One Behind

Ch 12- Win Some, Lose Some Part 2

Co written with @icanfeelastormbrewing

Summary: After 2 years of being at the resort Ari and the other agents are gearing up for yet another mission, but there’s a little bit of trouble in paradise for him and Hannah…

Warnings: Bad Language words. Smut (NSFW, 18+ only)

Pairings: Ari Levinson x OFC Hannah Horowitz

Leave No One Behind Masterlist // Main Masterlist

Part 1