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Beware of the Shadow

Summary:

As one of the new KorTac recruits, you were already known not to 'fuck' around, but you couldn't care less. The opportunity to start anew was a good way to test yourself. Well... until he comes and challenges you.

You could only wonder why König seemed so interested in you, but also why you were so compelled to seek out who really hid behind the mask. But the only important question is… Who will succumb first to the other, despite your respective inner demons?

And, perhaps, you'll find out for yourself what the Shadows have to offer—or, rather, what they'll make you sacrifice…

 

Many thanks to @juicy_queen_mathilda for helping me so much with the german wordings ❤️❤️❤️

Chapter Text

Ah…

It took me some effort not to yawn in the middle of the meeting I'm currently a part of. The gathering consisted of us, the four new KorTac recruits, listening to one of our instructors as he elaborate on the details of tomorrow's shooting test. Despite my attempts to stay engaged, his delivery was incredibly… slow. Feeling the pull of drowsiness, I closed my eyes briefly, allowing my thoughts to wander to past weeks' events.

I served in the military before. So, when I was offered a spot in this special organization, I seized this as an opportunity to start anew. Moreover, the compensation was generous; mostly due to the extensive secrecy of the job. I had to sign dozens upon dozens confidentiality agreements, to the extent I can't even disclose my employer nor workplace to my own family.

I was gradually grinding my place nonetheless. But, like anyone before me, I had to pass a series of range tests. Overall it was demanding, but I handled it. I had to.

A small cough snapped my eyes back open, my gaze focusing directly toward the men standing before us. One of them loomed significantly taller than the other however, so much so that I found myself wondering how he managed to navigate around on a daily basis.

He went by the name of König—the one that keeps his face hidden.

It was my first time seeing him in person, although I had certainly heard of his reputation. His eerie presence was enough to send shivers down your spine, and what he's keeping hidden beneath his hood is rumored to be even more chilling. His silent nature was also known to be a stark contrast with the brutality he apparently displayed on the battlefield.

In short, I quickly came to the conclusion that he was someone better not messed with.

His gaze suddenly got on me, certainly prompted by how I was staring at him instead of paying attention to the snail pace instructions in the background. I held my gaze steady for a moment before redirecting my attention back to the briefing, which ended shortly afterward anyway.

As everyone filed out of the room, I rose from my seat and took a moment to stretch my sore self, thinking I was alone. It was only after I made my neck crack in a satisfying way that I noticed the tall man eyeing me from the other corner of the room. However, he swiftly looked away when caught staring.

"Soldier, come here." he commanded, his stern voice offering no hints of a promising encounter.

I raised a questioning eyebrow but eventually made my way to the front of the room. I stood in front of him like I wasn't impressed, though truth be told—hell he was quite imposing. Height become an irrelevant metric in his presence; you would always feel smaller next to him.

He's at least 6'8—no… 6'9", perhaps?

"Yes, sir?" I replied as I kept my hands hidden behind me, subtly fidgeting my concerns away. His colossal stature had me tilting my head up quite a bit and, even then, his eyes were challenging to catch a glimpse of.

König, though he towered over me, had a small look of intrigue. He squinted his eyes, making them even more difficult to perceive.

"What's your weapon of choice, soldier?" he asked out of nowhere.

Well, hello to you too, I thought. Politeness, apparently, wasn't his strong suit. But that should be expected, I suppose...

His blunt question also caught me off guard since I assumed he was going to scold me for being distracted during a meeting, like a teacher might. A daunting teacher, in that case. But perhaps he was just curious, given he wasn't a part of our training before? And, considering tomorrow's shooting test, it made some kind of sense of him to inquire.

"Well, anything that is a ranged weapon, sir. But I'd say I'm the most useful with a sniper in hand." I responded.

König looked at me with a new hint in his eyes. Was it curiosity? Amusement? It was difficult to tell.

"A trained sniper, hm?" He scoffed under his mask.

Ah, disdain then.

"And what about your prior experiences?" he asked as he assessed me head to toe. The combination of his scrutiny and the questioning made it feel like I was under investigation, as if we were anything but from the same organization. Perhaps it's because I'm female? It wouldn't be the first time someone doubted my abilities solely for this reason.

It wasn't very pleasant to have to justify myself, but, as I felt I still wasn't off the hook completely, I eventually cleared my throat and answered again.

"I tried to join the police at first, but I enlisted in the army instead and served for some years before being recruited here."

König listened to my brief resume with an emotionless expression, though I could sense a hint of curiosity when his voice filled the room again.

"And what prevented you from joining the police?"

I could only meet König's gaze with a blank stare. He honed in on the one aspect I hoped he wouldn't, intensifying the irritation I was feeling over the entire situation. I looked away in an attempt to temper my now rising frustration, but his voice snapped back at me.

"Speak! I don't have all day."

"Sorry but this isn't relevant." I sharply replied.

He stared right into my eyes, and I stared back, as if we're having some sort of a staring contest. The tension between us lingered with neither of us willing to address it. Again, his gaze revealed no emotions, offering no clues about his thoughts.

And he abruptly shifted the subject, again.

"Well then, newbie… What about close-quarters combat? Do you know how to handle yourself?"

I pondered once more about what all this was about, but I eventually relaxed my jaw. A small smirk appeared on my lips, laden with all the bad omens it could carry.

"I've been doing judo for a while, but tell me—is this some kind of interview? I would have printed my resume if I knew." I snickered.

He hummed as he slowly retrieved a small tablet from one of his cargo pockets. He tapped on it with quick, precise movements while I found myself studying his hands, wondering how he managed to use the compact device with such big fingers. My attention snapped back up when his thick German accent arose from beneath his black veil again.

"Indeed, your file says you are proficient in marksmanship and unarmed combat."

My eyes widened at the sudden mention of my 'file'. If he has access to my infos, what is he getting at?! I could only twitch my tongue in frustration, causing König to cast another assessing look my way.

"I want you in the gym in half an hour for a sparring match." he declared, allowing a moment of silence to let his words sink in.

"Against me."

The fuck?!

"Wha—But why?! The physical tests have already been done!" I protested, sounding more alarmed than what I would have liked to.

I struggled to hold back the urge to enter panic mode, but that's it, I'm going to die—he’s going to fucking crush me.

I stared at him putting his tablet back with eyes wide open, scanning for any signs this was just a bad dream I was having. He then looked back at my dumbfounded face, seemingly delighted by the panic oozing from every pore.

"Let me tell you this: I don't like your attitude, nor your refusal to disclose your antecedents. I'll see you in a bit."

And he just left me there, my mouth agape as a cold sweat ran down my spine. All I could hear was his echoing footsteps in the corridor before he left the building.

 

Well, I'm screwed.

Chapter Text

I couldn't believe it; here I was, stuck in this mess, feeling I reached the gates of hell earlier than I should. This wasn't how I planned my fucking 'new start', and karma sure had a wicked sense of humor.

I got to my small bedroom to change and, without much conviction, I made my way to the gym. Or, more accurately, right into what felt like a death sentence.

As I entered the empty place that reeked of sweat and musk, I quickly spotted König laying against the back wall, already waiting for me.

Eager to reduce me to dust I see…

He dropped his gears for lighter clothes too, but his face remained hidden as always. He looked down at me for a moment, and I could only look back nervously.

Focus—If I play this well, maybe I'll be able to get out of this without anything broken.

Or not…

I swallowed painfully, unsure of what to expect of my last moments. Should I try to get my way out of this? What's worse, being labeled as a coward or as a dead woman? The atmosphere hung in a hushed stillness, as if we were observing a moment of silence before my impending execution.

His hoarse voice jolted me back to reality as it resonated through the gym and down my spine, sending unpleasant shivers.

"Let us begin. Make sure not to hold back, soldier." he warned as he promptly directed me into the ring.

Why am I doing this again…?

Think… I could take advantage of his height, but still… König is huge—like huge huge. My head don't even reach his shoulders for fuck sake! How am I supposed to fight against that?

I locked my gaze to his as I tried not to show too much of a defeated look. Yeah, let's put on a brave face for now… Something could work, but that would only be possible if he makes the first move.

Yet, König stood perfectly still, appearing like those flawless Greek statues that convey pure strength through their very form. His muscles were accentuated by the snug fit of his t-shirt, the sight alone would dissuade anyone from even looking in his direction.

Like all the other lucky people he sparred with, I was obviously shorter than him. That's nothing new. But I too had consistently faced opponents higher than me—well, maybe not that high...

He was calm, yet something was off. He raised an eyebrow, clearly waiting for me to make a move. But here I was, staring back at him like a mad cat ready to pounce, longing for him to engage. I waited. But nothing happened.

I have to make him move, I have no other options.

Ok, maybe I’ll die today, but I'll make this at least entertaining for the both of us. Resolved, I switched to a smug look, determined to make this act at least somewhat believable.

"What are you waiting for? Afraid to take on someone smaller?" I taunted.

I maintained my smirk as sweat beads formed on the nape of my neck. König's eyes remained fixed on me for a moment. He seemed tense, but his mood still remained mainly indecipherable.

"Nice try, but a true warrior knows when actions speak louder. I recommend doing the same."

I felt my insides slowly twisting into a knot, acknowledging briefly all the anxiety I was desperately trying to ignore since the beginning of this ill-fated evening.

I can do it. At least I have to try.

After taking a deep breath, I stared back, straight into his eyes, now full of a newfound determination.

"Of course."

I waved two fingers at him as my smirk grew wider.

"Bring it on."

König stood motionless as he watched my fingers move in front of me. He saw my hand gesture, he knew what it meant, yet he remained still.

Although, I could see something flicker in his eyes. Was it anger? No, more like… annoyance. Understandable, given he brought me here to teach me a lesson.

I also noticed his fists slightly clench in my peripheral vision.

Huh… So my attitude might somewhat affect him.

I obviously can't win by force, so I have to think, and think well. My mind was going wild, racing with possibilities. I kept my grin on, but this time it was genuine.

"Come on, no need to be shy. I don't bite." I almost purred to provoke him again.

I hope I won't regret my words…

Shit, I know I'll fucking do, but at least it's working.

König’s eyes widened a bit at my words. He stood his ground again, yet I could feel it: despite his stoic demeanor, he was growing more and more irritated as the seconds ticked by.

"Still hesitating? You're softer than I thought..." I chuckled.

It was as if you could see the air change around him, how the shackles of control were on the verge of giving in. He just needed one last push, something that would make him want to shut me up badly… So, I took a deep breath as the thrill made my heart pound louder and louder.

"Come on, big guy!" I shouted, "Cat got your tongue, or are you afraid a woman might show you how it's done?!"

König stayed still and yet, just as I feared he might, I could tell his lips curled up into a dark smile.

In an instant, he stepped forward with fire in his eyes, his anger turning into rage. He seemed furious at himself for falling into some stupid mind games, but his frustration could not stay contained anymore. He lunged forward, his fist flying towards my face.

Yes, now!

In one swift motion, I squatted as much as I could and slipped between his legs. He tried to close his thighs on me, but I violently kicked the back of his knee with my forearm right before he could react.

It luckily made him lose his balance, so I sprang back behind him and pulled his arm in an arm lock, ignoring the throbbing pain I got in my own after the blow I just gave him.

He grunted in pain as he bent down, his hurt knee on the ground. As I pushed myself on his back, I immediately felt the immeasurable strength under there. The description of him being a "muscle mountain" felt pretty accurate, at least as much as I wished it didn't.

I'll have to anticipate all of his movements, otherwise, if he manages to catch me, I'm fucked. Even all my years of practice could find themselves useless when faced against such an opponent.

Although my movements were a surprise attack, König surely had been anticipating something like this. He winced as I put more pressure on his arm and back. Still, he tried his best to fight through it.

His strength is undoubtedly prodigious, but still: it doesn't mean he's immune to pain.

He let out a loud roar as he attempted to break my stance, his free hand reaching for me.

If he could just get one good grip, I would be terminated.

Expecting such a reaction, I managed to avoid his big palm but shit—that was close.

I tightened my grip and forced his other knee on the ground with a strong foot kick. This allowed me to firmly plant both of my feet on his calves and keep them grounded, exerting all my weight on them like my life depended on it. Even though, in this moment—it kinda did.

Grumbling in pain, König placed his free hand on the ground to resist being pushed down further.

Despite my best efforts to pin him down, even with only one hand to support him, it still proved impossible.

I need to neutralize him in some other way, and quickly!

König suppressed his grunting; he wasn't giving up too, not that soon, not like this. His free hand reached for me again, searching for my arm…

 

and he found it.

Chapter Text

I wasn't able to react quickly enough.

This time, he managed to grip my wrist hard. I was seeing all my life before my eyes as I was now locked in a position where I would never be strong enough to push him down with my upper body. And then, it hit me.

But perhaps with my legs, I could...

Without second guessing it, I fleetly jumped and kicked my feet on König's ass. While it projected him to the floor, it also made him lose the grip he had on me as I strongly pushed myself away.

Here was his strongest, and yet weakest point: his imposing stature. He couldn’t get up as fast as I could.

As he began to stand up, I rushed and jumped on his back, knees bent forward, effectively pushing away all the air present from his lungs in my landing. My hands fiercely seized his arm back and locked it again, his other hand left free for a second. König was stunned, but he quickly scanned for options. He could make one last attempt to gain control, and he took it.

By swiftly spinning around his upper body, he extended his free member and grabbed the collar of my shirt in an instant. Using all his force to bring me down, my back crashed with the floor in a resounding thud. I winced as a sharp, electric pain surged through me instantly.

I let out a frustrated roar and tried to struggle, but König’s hands strongly kept me on the ground as if I weighed nothing. He then casually laid down on his side over my abdomen, effectively trapping me beneath him. His weight made any attempt to escape futile.

"Fuck!" I growled in frustration.

He pinned both of my wrists above my head with one hand, the other remaining on the ground to lean on it, preventing his mass from crushing me more than it already was.

König's expression was yet again unperturbed while my anger was clearly showing. He stayed motionless over my excessive attempts toward freedom, reveling with the pure rage that emanated from me in every way, shape or form. I could have sworn there was a smile forming behind his hood as he watched me struggling under his one hand.

"Good, you have at least some fire behind that pretty face." he said bluntly.

I scoffed and shot him the meanest glare I could afford.

"Release me and you'll see what this pretty face will do!" I yelled, not a care in the world about the actual position I was in.

I struggled again but was unable to free myself from this beast of a man. I frantically moved my legs up and down, but I still wasn't able to reach him. König let out a deep laugh as he found pleasure in my frustrated attempts, making my body shake with his as the sound reverberated in my rib cage.

"I won't lie soldier: I appreciate your tenacity, but you won't get anywhere if you keep throwing a tantrum. Save that anger for real danger."

He maintained his hold on me as I clearly wasn't willing to give up, but his strength was too much.

I had to face it: I would not be going anywhere until he decides otherwise. My cheeks burned with embarrassment; this situation was fucking humiliating.

I felt so lucky that there wasn't anyone else in the gym at that moment because, as a last resort, I ceased all movements and waited for him to lose his grip. As my struggles began to die down, a blank expression washed over my face; It almost looked like defeat.

But König wasn't stupid, he wasn't going to let me escape that easily.

"You think I can't see you're only pretending?" he said with a low, menacing voice.

He brought his free hand closer to my face so he could bend over me, pinning me even more onto the ground with his huge torso. The weight he put on my chest made it difficult to breathe, his body warmth aggravating the situation. It took over me like a wildfire; the heat spreading in my lungs was unbearable, suffocative even.

He looked at me in his grasp for a moment before averting his gaze back into my eyes. He was so close I could almost feel his hot breath brushing against my lips and neck.

"You cannot defeat an enemy by laying down for them, soldier." he stated, satisfied as he made his point.

Our eyes were locked together, fighting a new battle on their own. His gaze of steel showed how he was savoring his victory, and you know what?

That's perfect.

Because that means he has yet to know he just fell into my trap.

With his free hand now within reach, I rushed my mouth at it and bit him as hard as I could. König only clenched his jaw, refusing any sound to escape; thus robbing me of any satisfaction.

He took a deep breath before releasing my wrists, only to seize my collar forcefully. He slowly lifted himself from me, bringing me along as though I were a mere dog on a leash.

As he brought me closer to his face, he took a moment to analyze my teeth clenched into the meat of his hand. His eyes scanned my face slowly, like he was searching for something. I kept my jaw locked, my teeth digging in his flesh as a faint taste of iron began to seep onto my tongue.

His grip on my collar was so intense that it was marking my throat, stretching the fabric in the process. In any other setting I would have been pissed at him; but, at this moment, I could only be grateful at the second opportunity he was giving me on a silver plate.

I smirked on König's hand before bringing my arms up in the air and slipped out of my t-shirt in an instant. König was dumbfounded as his hand was now filled with nothing but a piece of fabric, the other left cold and wet with my saliva.

Seizing advantage of the surprise effect, I rushed behind him and jumped on his back again with full force.

"Scheiße!" he almost choked.

He struggled to remain standing on his knees, trembling with the lack of stability. I was firmly gripping him from behind, trapping him with my arms and legs as I locked them around like my life was on the line—as it still kinda did.

Just like in an over-exaggerated cartoon, his upper body rocked slightly back and forth… only to fall miserably onto his stomach. My shirt slipped from his grasp as I pinned down both of his arms with haste, my legs straddling his trunk firmly.

"How's the view down here huh? Had enough yet?!" I mocked, my laughter soon echoing throughout the empty gym.

I tried to appear confident, but inside I was praying hard this was the end.

My raw torso, only covered by a sports bra, was moving up and down in a frantic motion as I panted heavily. I felt drops of sweat sliding down my spine as I saw one falling from my forehead onto König's back. Only now I realized how much effort I had invested into this merciless fight.

König sighed before averting his gaze upward through half-lidded eyes, his head lifting slightly from the ground in the process. He was definitely distracted, he didn't even try to struggle.

Now that I was on top of him, he could see me from an angle he never thought was possible…

 

Not even in his wildest fantasies.

Chapter Text

"Alright… I surrender." König groaned.

I hastily released his arms as a rush of relief floods my whole body and mind, not even questioning if he was genuine or not. He strongly pushed himself up, causing me to fall to the ground in the process. He halfheartedly dusted off his shirt before his raspy voice echoed through the cold walls of the gym again.

"I did not expect this level of aggression from you, but I should have known better. You will do just fine here, soldier." he admitted, his voice tinted with a tad of annoyance.

König's gaze was like a laser piercing through my flesh, focusing particularly on my upper body. A shiver traveled all along my naked spine, soon realizing how much skin I was exhibiting. Heat rushed to my cheeks as I grabbed my shirt and frantically put it back on.

I could almost hear him labeling me as an exhibitionist now. But let's play cool for now, at least I'm… alive!

"To be frank I never thought I would win, but..."

I let my lips stretch to a cocky grin.

"... the end justifies the means, am I right?"

I cupped my hips with my hands and proudly puffed out my chest, like the true winner I was. König let out a small, almost mocking laugh as he looked away for a moment. His eyebrows furrowed when his face fell toward me again.

"Don't let it get to your head, you won one match. You have a lot more to prove before you start bragging."

Amused, I replied tit for tat: "And I think you should take a look at your hand before giving lessons!"

I bursted into laughter as I saw the fresh wound throbbing. König turned his head slightly and only acknowledged it with a scoff. His aura changed to a more somber one as he leisurely walked toward me, much like a predator to his prey, closing the space remaining between us.

"Don't think I am not one for revenge," he said sternly, growing annoyed again.

He towered over me from all his height, more menacing than ever. My fight or flight reflexes kicked in when he slowly moved his arm in front of my face. I flinched, ready to go back at it, but it was only to showcase the sweet injury I left him, presenting to me the irrefutable evidence of my crime.

I smiled at the view of the perfect imprint of my teeth on his skin. I took great pleasure in analyzing it, checking if everything was in place like the dentist I wasn't.

I couldn't deny the absurdity of the situation as a sense of amusement bubbled within me, threatening to spill over in the form of a giggle. König shot me a glare and I couldn't help it; another laugh escaped my lips as a result of nerves mixed with excitement.

His expression hardened, which caused me to feel a wave of cold air wash over my body. He stared at me for a few more seconds before speaking again.

"Laugh all you want, but you will pay for that in due time." König warned with a low, guttural voice.

My eyes snapped right back onto his. I tried to compose myself, wiping away my grin, but failed miserably. Despite the impending fallout, I reveled in the pettiness of our exchange.

"And yet, you're the one who wished for a fight—what were you expecting?" I quipped.

I crossed my arms on my chest as to put more weight to my plea, the adrenaline from our match still coursing through my veins, a mocking smile dancing on my lips.

König gazed at me intently, remaining stoic and deep in thoughts for a moment as the echoes of our fight still lingered in the air. Clearly, he had little tolerance for disrespect, nor did he appreciate my respondent.

"What was I expecting?" König repeated in a threatening tone, "I was expecting a fight, not a little wolf trying to sink her teeth into me."

"Though you liked it." I smirked.

His cold body language and deadly stare told me everything I needed to know. He wasn’t amused by my attempt to inject humor into the situation, not at all.

Unimpressed, he bent down and firmly gripped my shoulder, getting to my height like he would with a little child, but his tone was everything but gentle and reassuring: his voice was cold and slow, mechanic almost.

"I'll admit I underestimated you, but don't try to eat more than you can swallow."
"You're still new here."
"And replaceable."

Ouch. This hurt more than I would have liked to. The amusement dimmed off of my face as the reality of potential consequences sank in. The force he displayed moments ago also made me reconsider to just nicely comply rather than stand up to him. I still want to work here after all, and being a fractious little gremlin won't do me any favors.

König's gaze shifted downward to my shoulder, which was still in his grasp. His expression had returned to its former demeanor—stoic and reserved.

"If you really want to earn your place in this taskforce, you'll have to do more than surprise me." he warned.

Ah, so beating your ass doesn't count I guess?

"You know that you'll have to prove your shooting skills tomorrow, or perhaps you really didn't listen earlier?"

As he locked his blue eyes with mine I could feel heat emanating from his body, perfectly contrasting with that icy gaze of his.

He squeezed my shoulder, enjoying the tension he was forcing me to feel. But I wasn't overly concerned about it; instead, I saw it as a challenge to take on.

"I know, and I will sir." I simply replied, not wanting to address the part about me dozing off in the middle of a meeting.

Our faces were mere inches apart, our foreheads almost touching. I unconsciously seized the opportunity of being this close to analyze what could be grasped of his masked face. His grayish eyes were half closed, looking almost tired. The body paint he was using around them made them pop so much it was impossible not to dwell on them. If he wasn't so much of a pain in the ass, I could almost admit they were stunning.

As no sound came to my ears, I started to wonder if I had pressed the pause button unintentionally. König looked almost puzzled as he remained silent and motionless. Yet, I don't remember hitting him on the head.

I slightly rotated my head to inspect König's hand, still grabbing me by the shoulder. It was so big in comparison, I wondered for a second where else it could go without giving me that impression.

"You have something else to say?" I almost scolded, looking at him with a side eye.

His eyes flicked to meet mine as I spoke. The tension in the air was palpable as he continued to hold my shoulder, but his grip was slowly loosening.

Finally, after a moment of silence, he let go and turned away.

"That's all, soldier," he said in a somewhat bored tone as he walked away, "Be sure to get plenty of rest, you'll need it for tomorrow."

I looked at him leaving the building, puzzled with what just had happened, before eventually making my own way out of it. Soon after, hot water was finally cascading over me in the showers, washing away the remnants of the day's chaos. The sound of the running water provided a soothing backdrop as I stood there, reflecting on the surreal turn of events.

Steam filled the cubicle, creating a perfect reflection of my state of mind. Despite the warmth, a shiver ran down my spine. Still, I couldn't help but to smile as I replayed the scene in my mind.

When I got back to my room, the weight of the day settled in. I crawled into bed, the softness of the sheets offering a stark contrast to the hardness of the gym floor. Everything was quiet, the only sound being the distant hum of the late base activity.

Lying there in the dark, I couldn't shake the feeling of accomplishment that clung to me like a comforting blanket. There was a certain satisfaction in defying expectations, especially when they were mine. Yet, beneath the amusement, a flicker of concern still lingered in the back of my mind.

I could see the bite mark as if it was still in front of me: a symbolic reminder of today's events, engraved in my memory—but mostly onto König's skin.

I giggled, thinking about how he'll have to put up with it for a while.
But it was my message for him, full of innuendos, like how someone signs a letter for their lover with a lipstick kiss mark; only the intent here clearly more on the hate than on the love side.

 

As I closed my eyes, the image of König danced in my mind, a peculiar lullaby that accompanied me into the realm of sleep.

Chapter Text

As I was finishing preparing my rifle in the storage room, I noticed König glancing at me. Memories of our match came in, some of his warnings too. Even when I took a quick shower this morning I noticed new bruises on my back and arms, yet another reminder of what could happen if König decided to turn his threats into reality.

It wasn't long before his sharp accent came to my ears again.

"You're ready?"

I gave him a side eye and nodded silently, settling on the strategy of not digging my own grave as soon as I open my mouth around him.

Like yesterday, guessing his current emotional status was difficult without a face to look at. My only hint was his voice, but it was plain neutral. The large man looked around, then gestured towards the nearby shooting range.

"Alright, let's see what you've got then."

He strongly patted my shoulder and left with long strides. I couldn't really decide if this was an attempt to encourage me or, on the contrary, to put pressure on me again. Nonetheless, I followed him and saw that the other recruits were already in position. I joined them and took place at the end of the range, then waited quietly for instructions.

But Kevin, the annoying shit next to me, didn't share that point of view it seemed. He whispered to me without really caring if people around us could hear him.

"Hey Kitten, aren't you worried? You know that you have a reputation that sticks to your ass, right?"

I kept my gaze in front of me, resolved to not let any of his words phase me. I was starting to get used to the character: only mouth, no guts. As his miserable taunt remained unanswered, he scoffed.

"If you can't make it up to it doll don't worry, I'll take care of it."

He had a snide glint in his eyes as a smirk hung about his lips. He really looked as dumb as he sounded, his American accent not helping his case.

I then noticed how his sleeves were rolled up, proudly exposing his scratched forearms. In the last hand-to-hand combats, Kevin saw fit to provoke me and my response may have left him with a lovely souvenir—just like I did with König's hand now that I think about it. The only downside being him calling me "Kitten" ever since.

I stared ahead of me again, focusing on the training area and the impending tests that lay ahead. Soon, one of the instructors spoke up, providing a brief recap of what to expect.

"Alright, let's begin. The targets range roughly from 20 up to 100 feets away from your positions. You'll have to handle your reloads and adjust your setup when necessary, there will be no breaks. Any questions before we start?"

Kevin's voice erupted by my side, sending direct shivers down my spine. His voice was so irksome, especially to my ears, that I couldn't help an annoyed expression to claim my face.

"Yes sir! Will the best win something?" he queried with evident mischief.

I felt Kevin gaze on me again. Of course this was a "hidden" duel request. I stayed silent but oh god, he had his ways to crawl under my skin. I couldn't help but to wonder what was worse between having to put up with him all morning or to face the consequences of shooting him in the foot.

König glanced at Kevin, but chose not to comment on his cocky attitude.

"We will only be taking into consideration your accuracy score. This is an evaluation of your progress within the shooting range, not a contest." he stated, his tone alone implying that it was better for Kevin to keep quiet.

Kevin scoffed but didn't reply. He instead lowered his voice again and whispered to me: "May the best win, Kitten."

I was already committed to taking this test seriously anyway, but now, I had the additional mission to shut Kevin's mouth once and for all. The instructor resumed like nothing happened, his voice monotone but still helding an imposing presence.

"Alright, the test begins on 3, 2, 1… Weapon's free!"

Loud gunshots were heard throughout the shooting range as the targets started to move. I aimed for the heads when I could, refraining any hesitation to creep in.

When they checked for accuracy points they kept the results silent, probably to avoid any childish competition among some. Kevin's cocky smile was mostly gone, but I refrained myself from looking at him too much as the less interaction with him, the better.

Later came the test for ranged weapons and I sighed in relief: seeing we could only go one after the other would mean I wouldn't have to bear Kevin's presence again during it. Speaking of him, I guess he did great by how he got up with a wide smirk after his evaluation. I could only guess, since I wasn't too bothered to look actually.

He came to me and landed his nasty hand on my shoulder, right where König did yesterday.

"Sorry, but I couldn't make this easy for you, you know?" he gloated.

I shoved his hand from my shoulder, pointedly ignoring him once more. Even König let out an amused grunt as he watched Kevin's taunts getting rebuffed again. He was probably delighted to see me undergo what I had indulged him during our fight yesterday.

I laid on the ground in front of the sniper rifle, quickly reloading it while I took a peek at the field through the scope. As I got the green light to start, I isolated myself in my thoughts, landing my shots and scoring clean headshots all throughout the evaluation.

König seemed pleased with the skills, and I could hear whispers amongst the other recruits as one was pocking Kevin with their elbow. His usual smugness was absent from his face as it drifted onto mine. When I got to him, I gave him my most devilish grin as I mimicked his grating voice.

"Sorry, I couldn't make this easy for you, you know?"

He didn't respond, but frustration was clearly showing through his clenched fist and gritted teeth. From this point on, he thankfully stopped talking to me whatsoever. He only shot me nasty glares, and I left every one of them unanswered. Such a fragile ego for an arrogant prick...

After all tests were finished, we were finally given the results as our newly assigned position. The others seemed excited for the missions ahead, comparing each other's performances. In my case, I was unsurprisingly confirmed into the sniper team.

I saw Kevin leaving the room without another word, surely prompted by how I had a better overall score than him. As I said: all mouth, no guts.

While I watched him leave with an over satisfied smile, I heard footsteps behind me. I looked over my shoulder and saw König coming toward me with a slow gait. He seemed to be in a much better mood than yesterday as he came to a stop in front of me.

"Well done on the tests," he complimented in a rather pleased tone, "I expect great things from you."

His words caught me off guard, but I managed to offer him a smile as I extended my hand in a peace making manner. Despite the temptation to brag, I saw this as an opportunity to show I could rise above pettiness.

"Thank you, I only wish to be useful here."

He looked down at my extended hand for a moment before taking it strongly to shake it.

"You will be," König admitted. "Now that's out of the way," he continued as he released my hand, "I hope that you will show the same level of maturity as today."

His expression then returned to its usual stoicism as he turned and walked away without another word.

 

So… I guess we're good now?

Chapter Text

Days have passed since the shooting test and today was finally the day to head for a "real" mission, one with guns, gears, adrenaline and… yet, another briefing.

And so here I was, sat in the meeting room, waiting for the mandatory reunion to begin. My knee jumped on its own as excitement blended with anticipation into a nice melting pot. While I was trying to gain control of my own impatience, someone suddenly plopped down onto the seat next to me, making me flinch in surprise. It wasn't unusual for my colleagues to have the subtlety of a sledgehammer, but still.

I shot an immediate glare at the boor who so rudely interrupted my self therapy session, only to be greeted by the sight of the Austrian I hadn't seen since the shooting test. König, on the other hand, wasn't even addressing a glance toward me, appearing completely indifferent to my presence. I was about to open my mouth when someone else grabbed everyone's attention to start the meeting.

I exhaled as I crossed my arms on my chest, choosing to focus rather on what was at hand for now. The mission was going to be a reconnaissance one. Nothing thrilling, but any intel was valuable at this point if I understood correctly.

After the meeting, everyone got to their assigned tasks. My team hit the road, going there by the wheels. König remained silent, occasionally glancing in my direction, but whenever our eyes met he swiftly averted his gaze.

Before long, we reached our intended location. We split up to cover the area, maintaining vigilance despite the place looking indeed deserted.

As I approached some abandoned buildings with my gun in hand, an eerie feeling crept over me—as if something or someone was trailing behind. A quick glance over my shoulder revealed König, following me while keeping a cautious distance.

Should I say something? But, is he even really following me? After contemplating the matter, I chose to continue on my route, allowing events to unfold naturally.

König trailed silently behind me, his boots making subdued sounds on the packed dirt. I entered the first vacant building and began my inspection.

He stayed outside and looked around before eventually catching up to me.

"All clear?" he asked.

I lifted my gaze to observe him standing by the main door frame; his helmet almost reached its apex, his imposing figure nearly filling the entire space. In that fleeting moment, I couldn't help but marvel at the wonders nature could create on this earth; even though it occurred to me that König might have taken more lives than contributed to it whatsoever.

"Almost, I still need to check upstairs if it's clear too." I replied.

König nodded and shifted his gaze to the ceiling behind me, then returned his look, seemingly raising an eyebrow.

"Do you need help?" he inquired.

Confused, I turned around and noticed that the stairs were in rather poor condition. Also, the next floor also appeared somewhat distant from the ground. Considering both of our stature, it was obvious who had to climb up. Unperturbed by this conclusion, I headed myself towards the opening in the ceiling.

"Yes, give me a hand please."

König nodded and approached. Using his hands, he created a step for my foot and provided a boost, keeping a close eye on me as I climbed up.

Once upstairs, I explored the area. However, I found nothing of significance: the place had some mundane, discarded items here and there as some scattering of cigarette butts.

After confirming the emptiness of the second floor, I retraced my steps to the opening and bent down in front of it.

"It's all clear, I'm going down." I warned.

König glanced up as I promptly settled myself on the edge of the hole, ready to jump downstairs. However, doing so made me realize how far up I was. Jumping down on my own was not a good idea after all.

"Erm… Can you catch me?" I asked hesitantly, "I'd rather not hurt myself on my first mission."

König met my gaze before his arms extended in my direction. As he spoke, his voice tinged with a touch of amusement.

"You should consider yourself lucky I'm the one here and not Kevin. I can't imagine how he would have taken advantage of the situation."

A bit surprised with the sudden mention of my nemesis, I chuckled.

"Don't get me started, I would leap off a 10-story building rather than seek his help!" I jested with a grain of truth.

König had his hands raised just below me, ready to catch me, so I dropped down. He effortlessly gripped my waist, his large hands fully cupping it. While I expected him to set me down, I instead noticed his eyes narrowing as a smile probably grew on his lips. Instead of placing me on the ground immediately, he raised me slightly as to make his point.

"I would catch you even if you fell from a 10-story building," he stated like a matter of fact. He finally lowered me to the ground rather softly, his gaze fixed on mine.

"Sure you could!" I chuckled, "But let's hope we'll never need to come to such desperate measures."

König stood back up fully, making his imposing figure a stark contrast to mine again. We resumed our thorough examination of every building in our area. Occasionally, we engaged in casual chit chat. While not being a particularly extensive talker, König still shared some context about the overall mission.

After inspecting the last building, silence settled between us again as we made our way back to our vehicles. My eyes fell onto König's gloved hand and I could almost see the biting mark through it. At first, I thought about what I could say to tease him, but the prospect of having to fight against him again was in fact not a very appealing one.

"Uhm, you know, I'd like to properly apologize for biting you last time—it wasn't really bright of me to do" I finally said as I wanted to make sure there wasn't any bad blood left between us.

König remained silent for a bit. Having spent some time with him now, I found it less unsettling than before. He sighed as he looked down at me. His blue eyes remained cold, yet they held hints of content.

"You're still thinking about that?" he asked with a shrug. "You have nothing to apologize for," he added after a moment of pause. "If anything, I should have been the one to be more careful."

It still felt a bit surreal to be able to communicate together without being at each other's throats, like we hadn't fought for our lives merely days ago. I guess we really just got off on the wrong foot.

"So, we're good? Off to best buddies now?" I chuckled with a cheeky smile.

As we continued walking, he spoke up with the most relaxed tone I've heard from him so far.

"Yeah, we're good," he said as he turned his face toward mine, "as long as you don't try to sink your teeth into me again," he added jokingly.

"As long as you don't duel me again," I retorted, "or else I might really start to think you enjoyed it."

His eyebrows shot upward and he let out a hearty chuckle.

"Don't tempt me."

König then got silent as he looked straight ahead. After a few more moments, his tone became solemn once again.

"I'm not a big fan of showing emotions," he confessed, "but I have to admit: I appreciate having someone around who knows how to keep things interesting."

He then continued to walk toward our vehicle without another word, effectively closing the conversation. For the first time in a while, I found myself at a loss for words, so I trailed behind him in silence.

 

What an interesting development indeed, I thought.

Chapter Text

After our return to base, everyone helped out to put back the various gears and equipment to their designated areas. König and I were tasked with returning the weapons to the armory.

Initially, we both were grabbing a handle of the big storage box. However, König decided to handle the box alone after a short while—deeming it was more efficient that way. He assured me it wasn't that heavy, so I didn't insist. While the weight was manageable for two, his solo handling of the box highlighted once again just how strong he was.

After sorting the box's contents, I took a moment to stretch while glancing at the wall clock. We were late in the afternoon, but it was still too early for dinner. In essence, it was the perfect time for a break.

"Hey, fancy grabbing a beer with me?" I offered.

König stayed silent as he processed my suggestion, carefully weighing the pros and cons.

"Where?" he finally inquired.

I smiled and gestured with my hand to follow me. "Behind the north warehouses. No one ever goes there."

Given his reserved nature, I easily guessed the usual hustle and bustle of a bar wasn't an option with him. He followed me without adding anything and we picked up some beers on the way.

We sat next to each other at the sole table of the secluded spot. As we gazed at the sunset, the both of us stayed silent. It was peaceful here, far removed from the usual commotions of the base.

I opened my bottle and took a sip, thus experiencing the tangy flavor on my tongue. I couldn't help but make a small face; I always had a hard time getting accustomed to the peculiar taste.

"How come you didn't tell everyone that you beat me?" König asked, breaking the silence with that thick accent of his that leaned a certain charm to the words. "I really thought you'd boast about it"

I take a moment to consider his observation. It's true that, deep down, I would have loved to rub it in his face. Yet, something always told me that no one would have believed me if I did. I took another sip of my beer before answering, grimacing slightly as I swallowed the bitter liquid.

"I don't know, maybe 'cause I'm new here? It felt weird to do so," I started. "Also, the idea of someone being annoyingly teased just because a woman beat their ass isn't what I call a victory."

His blue eyes remained fixed on me, attentively listening to my words. He hadn't opened his bottle yet, his gloved hand was just holding it.

"I mean, I don't assume that's what would have happened," I added, "but I can imagine that taking down the almost 7' beast would have made some noise."

The 'beast'.

König couldn't resist smirking audibly at my choice of words. He cracked open his beer and raised it under his mask, tilting his head as he took a sip, not giving much more to see of his face than I already had. He returned his beer to the table with a contented sigh.

"Thanks for your concerns, but the people here know very well not to come and get me," he stated matter-of-factly.

"If you say so. I've just encountered so many disingenuous folks, can't help but be careful now," I rebooted.

The expression in his eyes was mixed: partly confused, yet understanding of my perspective.

"What happened to make you think that way?" he inquired curiously.

"A lot as you can guess, but what about you? You must have a reason to hide your face," I asked back, subtly avoiding his last question in the process.

His eyes remained fixed on his bottle, likely debating again whether telling me was worth it or not. I let him be and took another small sip of my drink. After placing my bottle back on the table, König's answer finally came.

"There are things, especially from my past, that I prefer to keep hidden."

He sighed as his hand went to gently rub his face beneath his hood. I offered him a soft smile in hopes to alleviate any discomfort.

König's body relaxed when he understood that I wasn't going to insist. Though, his hand stayed under the hood accompanied by a soft scratching noise, raising my curiosity again. Maybe the rumors were true? Maybe he really was hiding something gruesome behind that mask of his? Yet, it felt like there was something more profound at stake.

I watched as König took another sip of his beer, nearly emptying half the bottle in two swallows. As I continued to observe him, my fascination deepened. It was as if I were compelled to unravel the secrets hidden beneath that mask, seeking the man obscured behind it.

But, should I? Or, wouldn't it end up in a poor repetition of the Pandora tale?

'Curiosity killed the cat' isn't an empty saying after all.
…But, what about kittens?

"Would it be alright if I touched it?" The words rolled off my tongue as I was thinking out loud. "Your face, I mean" I quickly added, now too deep to turn back.

He seemed taken aback when he turned his head to me, but the surprise faded when he saw I wasn't trying to joke around. He seemed conflicted, yet also... intrigued.

After a few seconds of hesitation, he finally nodded and bent his head toward me, lessening the distance between us.

A bit hesitant at first, his eyes displayed his determination to go forth with it nonetheless. So, I cautiously lifted my hand from the table, taking my time to gradually extend my fingers towards him. It was as if I were approaching a wild animal, affording him the opportunity to flee if necessary. All the while, my eyes were ensnared in the depth of his resolute stare.

As I approached his hood, I slipped my palm beneath it. My middle finger encountered something smooth, fabric-like. It was the balaclava he wore in addition to his hood. He twitched slightly at the first contact, but he didn't voice any further objection.

I identified his chin as I brought my other fingers there. Slowly, I moved them around his cheek, attempting to discern his features. Unfortunately, the fabric covering his skin muffled most of what I could grasp from this little touching session. The contours of his jaw, cheek, and temple were melted into a smooth and soft surface.

König's hand suddenly went under his hood without warning. He abruptly adjusted the lower part of his balaclava and tucked it under his chin. My eyes widened while my body jolted with surprise, my hand frozen in place as I feared any further movement would cause something else to happen.

"It tickled" König remarked, and curiosity winned me back instantly.

I resumed my previous motion and delicately explored König's cheek with my digits. Despite not being able to see a thing, I could feel much. I was able to grasp a faint stubble tickling my fingertips; based on how it pricked my skin, he probably shaved 3 or 4 days ago. As my fingers moved downward to his chin once more, I detected a slight dent on the way, likely a scar.

My finger continued to carefully trace his jawline—strong.

Then his nose—well-defined.

Finally his lips—soft and slightly wet from the beer he drank just a minute ago.

His eyes didn't leave me for a second, my own following the path my fingers were taking as if I could see through the fabric in between. He maintained a profound silence, to the extent even his breath was almost imperceptible.

I felt more indents that were scar-like all around. My finger twitched on its own when it encountered another, larger one that extended from his eye to his upper lip. While I couldn't precisely map out every detail of his face, one thing was crystal clear: his face bore plenty of scars.

"It wasn't the battlefield that did this to you, was it?"

The words slipped from my lips quicker than I could think about them, revealing some of my concerns away.

He hesitated for a moment while my hand rested on his cheek, my thumb gently brushing over one of his scars as if I was attempting to soften it in some ways. His skin had healed, yet a part of me wished for any left trauma to fade away.

"It was my dad" he finally replied.

I froze, but he didn't elaborate further. I carefully withdrew my hand and he readjusted his balaclava to its previous state, concealing his facial features even under his mask.

The urge to prob further nagged at me, but I stopped myself from prying any deeper. However, the meaning behind his answer was troubling me. How could a parent… to their own child? Even without having seen them, it wasn't that hard to figure out those scars weren't left by accident.

"So they're the reason you hide your face?" I only inquired.

"I guess. And, I don't know—I've kinda gotten used to it," he answered rather quickly this time.

Releasing a deep sigh, he finished the remainder of his beer without another word, definitively closing the topic. I picked up my own bottle and took several audible gulps too, as if the sour liquid would somehow wash away the uneasiness of the situation.

We watched the sun set as it was painting the surroundings in shades of orange, some rays reaching and reflecting on my hair. I could feel König's gaze on me, but my eyes stayed on the tranquil scenery before us as my eyelids were getting slightly heavier.

"You're the first person in a long time I've let acknowledge them. Well, you haven't seen them directly—but still," he confessed.

In that moment, it became evident to me that König and I shared a lot in common. I too had my own, invisible scars that I wasn't ready to share yet. Our eyes met and we exchanged somewhat of a silent comfort. König then chuckled as he dropped his arms back on the table surface, causing it to tremble.

"You know, at first you seemed like a bit of a troublemaker. I even had some concerns about your case. But now I must admit that I was wrong, you seem like a decent person."

His sudden confession elicited laughter from me.

"Of course I am, you must have been blind to not see it sooner!" I gloated.

"Don't make me regret my words" he quipped.

A new gleam lit up his eyes as I nudged his shoulder in a playful protest. We shifted on lighter topics as the sun continued its slow descent, enjoying our time together before it would get too late to do so.

 

And that, my friends, is what I call an unusual, yet successful team building.

Chapter Text

Weeks passed and went by so quickly I couldn't really grasp how time flew by. Every day was so busy I wasn't doing much more than wake up, train, eat and sleep. Sometimes we managed to hang out and have some fun, though König would never participate. Hanging out with him could only be done away from too many distractions, but we eventually met from time to time at the back of the warehouses, thus making it our unofficial hanging spot.

Now outside of the gym after another long day of training, the only thing which kept me standing was the idea of a nice and warm shower. My sweat drenched my shirt in a way that made me proud of my efforts, but it was also starting to bother me deeply. A frustration of being grimy, only driven by the future satisfaction of feeling clean. My mind was locked on my soon liberation when a figure appeared in front of me, cutting me out of my tracks.

Kevin.

The simple vision of his smirk made me done with him already, even though he hasn't said anything yet. My exhausted self just stopped in front of him in hopes my annoyed face would give enough of a hint to piss off.

It didn't.

"Hey there Kitten!"

"Stop calling me that" I scowled, my tone as cold as ice.

But he continued like he couldn't read how his presence alone gave me murderous impulses. His roaming gaze was followed by a disgusting wolf-whistle. He then took an exaggerated raspy voice that made him look even dumber, a not so rare exploit I had the pleasure to witness again.

"Look at you, so worked up... Damn, isn't your boyfriend a lucky guy?"

I didn't know how I managed to stay calm, because my primal urges were begging me to crush a knee into his crotch. Instead, I only pinched the bridge of my nose and exhaled an over dramatic sigh.

After the shooting test incident, it only took him a week to come back and annoy the shit out of me. It was mostly dumb catchphrases that made the others laugh, but even my patience has limits…

And he grazes them far too much.

I glided my hand up to my forehead, brushing away some wet hair strands on the way, debating if I should just suggest him to go fuck himself with his right hand while it's not broken.

"Why would you care?" I grunted as I exhaled again.

"I just do. Oh, but don't tell me… You don't have a boyfriend?" he insisted.

Urgh, someone, anyone, make him shut up before I do!

The look in Kevin's eyes told me exactly what his intentions were. It was painted all over his face. A view that only confirmed to me that, no matter what I would say, he wouldn't stop pursuing this little warped fantasy of his.

I can't stand the way he invades my personal space, leaning in too close, his eyes lingering on me as if he expects me to be enchanted by his unwanted advances. I'm fucking done being his little personal challenge to conquer.

He stepped closer and, before I could say anything, heavy footsteps followed by a deep voice stopped Kevin on the spot.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

As I saw König over Kevin's shoulder, a rush of relief washed away all the tension I was trying to control. König had that power on me, refraining my urges to always be tough and surly. This was a new kind of tranquility my subconscious gladly welcomed. However, I still kept a mask of annoyance as I looked back at Kevin.

"You're deaf? Fuck off, now," hissing my words like venom.

Kevin slowly turned his head to glare at what was towering him, his expression showing a mix of irritation and embarrassment. He probably wasn't expecting anyone to interrupt and spoil his 'moment', surely even less by one of KorTac's biggest threats. But it wasn't long before he regained his well known cocky demeanor.

"And what are you doing here? You're following your sniper girlfriend around?" he gloated.

Kevin's head turned back to me with a smirk, as if I should feel impressed. König's body on the other hand didn't do much as flinch, like he tried to hold an impulse back. His presence became somber, his voice lowering into a menacing growl.

"Do yourself a favor and learn your place: leave right now if you don't want a new report with your name on it."

Kevin opened his mouth to say something in return, but stopped when König shot him a warning glare. Kevin's gaze darkened as he gave me a nasty look, one that I gladly returned. He knew König had the power, and the will, to carry out his threat.

Kevin only twitched his tongue and left with a clear look of frustration plastered all over his face. He mumbled something, but I couldn't care less. I smiled and waved at him as he walked away, my hand slowly forming into a middle finger. König chuckled lightly at my childish behavior as he tilted his head in amusement.

"You're quite the character, aren't you?"

"With magnetic properties it seems, since I only attract assholes" I blurted out.

Still looking toward where Kevin left, I somber deep in thoughts of what just happened, asking myself if I should report him for real, wondering if it won't do more bad than good.

As silence was the only sound filling my ears, my field of thoughts suddenly stopped itself with the realization of what I just said to König.

"I wasn't talking about you" I quickly added to correct my last statement.

König brows furrowed as he looked down at me, his expression softening slightly toward the end. I was strangely getting used to how some of his emotions were showing through his eyes, a secret code only a few knew the combination of.

"I know," König said rather calmly. He then turned around and started walking toward the barracks.
"Even though you sure had your way to attract my attention as well," he added, out of nowhere, a hint of mischief now present in his tone.

He could be so blunt at times, but I eventually learned how he wasn't someone to wrap his words with a coat of courtesy.

He didn't bother to check if I was following him as he fully expected I would do so, and I proved him right since I quickly caught up to his pace.

"You mean our first sparring match, right?" I asked. "Speaking of which, I still wonder what you expected when you asked a poor thing like me to fight against you," I added with a mischievous smirk.

König raised an eyebrow. The look he was giving me was quite intense, like he was trying to gauge my words; Was I implying something? Or was I just messing with him? The latter was the correct answer of course, and he knew it.

"I know a good fighter when I see one," König said calmly as he slowed down his pace. "I simply wanted to see how you would fair against an opponent like myself."

Still looking in my direction, his expression shifted to amusement as he spoke again.

"You held out far longer than I expected," he admitted, "So I guess you proved to be a bit tougher than a 'poor thing'."

His words made me smile. And, coming from a quiet force like him, it only made my joy more perceptible.

"Ah? So, what am I in your book then?" I playfully inquired.

He made a guttural sound as he thought about what to say in return.

"Well, I guess you're a bit of a 'tough cookie' in my perspective," he said with a sigh, "Though, a pain in the ass might be a better way to describe you," he teased.

I scoffed as I continued to walk beside him.

"Don't lie, I know you can't get enough of me!" I teased while faking an innocent look.

"You wish" he only chuckled.

We continued to walk alongside each other toward the barracks, making small talks all the while. When we arrived at the entrance, I let out a satisfied sigh as the craving to take a shower only grew stronger the closer we got to the building.

König, being slightly ahead of me, grabbed the door handle and opened it for me.

"After you."

I thanked him and walked past him. As I glanced behind me, I saw König only leaning lazily against the door frame, his gaze fixed on me as I entered.

"You're not going in?" I asked as he loomed over me, arms folded across his chest while his head slightly tilted to the side. His expression shifted once again to something more serious and emotionless as he gazed down at me.

"Nah," he replied, "I still have some things to do."

He lowered his arms back to his sides as he turned around. "Enjoy your shower," he concluded in a rather friendly tone before walking away.

I stayed in the entrance for a few seconds as I wondered why he walked with me then.

Wait, was it to prevent Kevin from bothering me again?

Nah!

 

…Unless…?

Chapter Text

In the time leading up to the crucial meeting, my last interaction with König replayed in my mind like a riddle I couldn't solve.

While sat in the stark meeting room, my gaze occasionally drifted toward the being who brought such inquisitions. Leaning against a wall, his eyes held a steady intensity as he listened to the commanding officer's briefing.

We were introduced to some intel about a main drug producing facility, located far remote in the woods at nearby frontiers. We were planning to give them a friendly visit since the local forces are too corrupt to do so.

Multiple satellite images of the area were displayed in the background with indications written over them, showing how the operation would unfold. They were followed by photos of some of the key figures in the criminal organization, each accompanied with simple introductions. Each except one: the last image had no face, only a simple caption beneath it that read 'Shadow'.

"And last but not least, the presumed leader. We have little to no info on him except this code name. We don't believe he'll be there, but if you hear this name, listen up. Any intel on him is new and valuable."

My eyes slowly drifted toward König again as the briefing continued. Something was itching inside, my train of thought wouldn't go away and I felt stupid for it.

Why did I care so much?

Urgh, the meeting room is clearly not the best setting for such contemplation anyway.

After everyone geared up, we went for it. The helicopter took off, making its way out of the base with its crew ready for the upcoming operation. The trip gave me time to sink into a more focused state, taking into account what was at stake.

As the heli landed, we all stood up as one unit. Being in the far back, I was with the last ones to exit the iron belly of the vehicle. But, as I did, my luck led my foot right into a shallow hole right at the base of the ramp. I tripped, but immediately felt a strong grip on my tactical vest, restraining my body to go further down. I quickly regained my balance before peeking over my shoulder to recognize my favorite giant. He just continued to hold on for a moment as I gave him an embarrassed smile.

"Watch where you're going."

I could only muster a quiet 'Thank you' that he was already gone, and my cheeks heated up on themselves. Luckily, it seems no one else saw my poor performance.

I hurried toward the jeeps where the rest of the team was. König was already there, as was Kevin. Of course he was. And, the cherry on top, it was painfully obvious I had to be the one to sit in the back in between them.

What a perfect recipe for chaos.

"I can sit in the middle" König offered, noticing my discomfort surrounding the situation. Kevin, however, didn't seem to get the message. He spoke up loudly, interrupting König's attempt to avoid a bloodshed.

"Nah man, she's fine. I got this."

König tried his best to ignore Kevin's comment and resumed his tempting proposition: "You don't have to sit with him if you don't want to."

"Oh, so you do like her then?" Kevin chuckled while glaring at König with defiant eyes. His voice, dripping with deceit, grated on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard. Even in interventions now he won't stop being annoying? For god sake!

"Kevin, this is the last time I'll politely ask you to shut the fuck up" I brutally interjected.

I then sat in the middle seat to shut down any more bickering. Kevin went quiet right away, looking somewhat bewildered. He only muttered a "Yes ma'am" in return. Both men took places next to me on the backseat without further wording, and the driver started the engine.

Kevin kept glancing over at me throughout the ride. I, on the other hand, stared out at the road through the windshield, but just enough so I could keep him in the corner of my eye. He talked loudly with the soldiers in the front seats while König and I remained silent, true to ourselves.

My brain was more and more proficient with the task of filtering Kevin's existence all together, but I was brought back to reality when I felt something fall on my thigh.

"Kitten, are you listening?"

My body tensed instantly as a shiver of disgust ran down my spine. König immediately stood up for me as he presumably had been keeping a close eye on Kevin the entire time.

"Kevin, take your ha—"

But I harshly cut him by raising my hand up, resolved to handle this desperate cause alone. By slowly bending toward Kevin, I let my shoulder rest against his. I got so awfully close my mouth was right next to his ear. He was now the one looking tense, his breathing only growing faster. A small smile was even starting to creep up on his face as he thought he had finally won, but that was before I whispered my real intentions.

"If you don't take your filthy hand off of me right now, then say goodbye to your offspring."

Kevin hadn't noticed how I had set the tip of my rifle right over his crotch, at least until now. His eyes widened with disbelief, unsure if he should be horrified or completely mesmerized. In any case, he was anything but amused. His face turned red and he quickly removed his hand from me, bringing it in the air in defeat.

"You're fucking crazy" he spluttered, visibly embarrassed.

"I know, thank you!" I cooed with a fake bubbly voice.

The driver and the soldier in the passenger seat bursted out of laughter when they saw Kevin's face. They started to pick on him, remembering him of all his past 'exploits' since he joined KorTac. It really made me wonder how he even got recruited.

I let out a heavy sigh as I sat back correctly, instinctively bringing my body away from Kevin's like it was the plague itself. My knee brushed against König's thigh and the sudden contact made me flinch, recalling only now his presence next to me.

Before I could move away, he shifted his legs to make room for me, inviting me to come closer without the need of words. I thanked him in a discreet whisper and brought my body closer to his. He only nodded in response, keeping his interest in what was going on outside of the window.

The rest of the ride went smoothly as Kevin finally stayed silent for once. He better have understood the message… Nonetheless, his case was a matter for later anyway.

Soon, the jeep arrived at our final stop: a nearby tree line where we had to finish by foot. Everyone was already walking toward the forest while König closed the car door behind me as I hopped out of it.

He stood silently beside me for a moment.

"You think you're ready for this?" he asked.

My gaze was fixed ahead of me, pointing directly toward where we were headed, and my hand gripped my rifle on its own.

"Couldn't be more ready. Let's make this quick and easy," I assured.

König walked with me, his expression somewhat serious. Leaves were crumbling as we stepped on them, muffling the sound of my heartbeat. We walked in silence as if we were taking a solemn walk. It surely wasn't anything new for König, and it shouldn't be for me either. Yet, I still felt this pit in my stomach, the one I knew only too well, where slow and deep breaths were what I needed.

König seemed deep in thought too. When I looked at him, his eyes snapped back on my figure. We exchanged a heavy look; König's eyes being powerful messengers, sending what could not be brought to words directly into someone's soul. And, somehow, it was exactly what I needed to alleviate my disquiet.

Before any of us could muster to break this silent conversation, a distant voice called for me and brought the both of us back to reality.

"Y/n, you go left from here. Your remote position is only a few clicks ahead."

I acquiesced and turned back to König, giving him somewhat of a forced smile, "Stay safe, and good luck with Kevin on your team."

He nodded and we parted away. Now left alone to proceed on my own, I was soon all set up in the bushes, waiting patiently for my time to shine. Overall, the mission went by smoothly without having to put up much of a gun fight. Civilians, or more so prisoners that were forced to manufacture drugs, were in the majority unarmed. My uphill position gave me and the other snippers a clear enough view to overwatch what was going on ahead, enabling our team to proceed safely.

A voice I could recognize beyond a thousand got through my earpiece, making my heart jump a little. But it quickly sunk in my stomach when I heard how his was filled with concern.

"Command, I've got some bad news: there's more to drugs here. We've found cells underground with multiple prisoners, it looks like there's also human trafficking going on here. Do you copy?"

"Copy König. Everyone, keep securing the area, we'll exfil the prisoners when it'll be safe to do so. We're calling reinforcement right now, over."

I tried to not let emotions get the best of me, but hell that was hard when my blood was boiling like it did. I kept my breathing steady, driving all my frustration into one goal only: making this operation a success.

After multiple back and forth, the mission finally came to a close. Organization's members were arrested while the civilians and prisoners were taken away to safety.

"Ok, nice work everyone. To all snipers in position, keep an eye out on the area until every last soldier is exfiltrated."

Finally.

I exhaled to lift some of the tension present in my muscles away. But the relief I felt was not long lasting as I was prompted to press the button of my radio.

"This is Delta 1-5, still in po—"

 

I was rudely cut mid-sentence as something—or rather,
as someone jumped on me from behind.

Chapter 10

Notes:

TW: Graphic Violence

Chapter Text

I knew my sentence cut before its end would give out to anyone a clear hint of my current situation. And König's voice bursting in my ear only confirmed my assumptions.

"Delta 1-5, what happened?!"

If I could answer him, I would have probably said something along the lines of 'Oh, nothing fancy, you know: just someone who's trying to kill me', but my immediate survival seemed like a wiser objective to focus on.

I quickly analyzed the situation. The thing was bigger and heavier than me, so it was safe to assume it was a man. He pinned me to the ground with his body, but I grasped something shiny in his hand, presumably a knife or a blade. He was visibly panicked, I could easily tell by how sloppily he was holding his weapon.

I instantly tried to struggle, but the unknown threat harshly pushed his hand on my helmet to force it to the ground. He yelled something in a language I didn't know, the probability of it being something nice quite slim.

He raised the knife above his head to gain momentum so he would stab me. In a matter of seconds, I managed to grab the pistol from the gun holder at my leg and shot him in the thigh. In that fleeting moment, I felt thankful for all the additional training we had as snipers to be prepared for those kinds of scenarios.

The man let out a loud scream when he felt the bullet hit his leg, his face twisting with pain while I struggled again in an attempt to make him lose his balance. I only managed to turn on my back when his hand quickly got back on my helmet, pinning my head to the ground to maintain himself on top of me.

But now, I had my pistol, and it was pointing right at his chest. He froze when he felt the hard object pushing into him, right where his heart was.

"Back down or I'll shoot!" I yelled with an intense gaze. I tried my best to keep my cool, but I found myself overwhelmed by that unpleasant feeling when an unwelcome memory resurfaces at the worst possible time.

Me, laying on the ground, and a man, on top of me, holding a knife under my throat. It made me want to scoff. The sight felt ironic, and it stirred me even more when the only difference in the picture was I, now in possession of a gun. A fire slowly took over me, one of pure hatred, and I frankly was having a hard time refraining myself from pulling the trigger.

We stayed motionless for a moment, staring at one another like statues, his hand trembling while his expression was hesitant. He eventually distanced the knife slowly, my eyes not leaving him for a second, and dropped it to the ground. But then, a frantic sound coming from the bushes made the both of us look to the side.

"GET OFF HER!"

A bear-like figure lunged out of nowhere and tackled the clueless man at full force, knocking them both to the ground. I jolted in surprise, pointing my gun toward the silhouettes before recognizing König. In a matter of seconds, he was able to pin the man down while his other hand went to his radio.

"It was another enemy— I got him— over," he managed to blurt out while heavily panting. He quickly turned his attention back to me, searching for something on him as he talked.

"Are you hurt?" he inquired with heavy breaths, a hint of concern tinting his voice.

I felt frozen for a moment, just the time I needed to process what just happened. Now that I wasn't in a life-threatening situation anymore, all the tension left in me was pushed away by anger and, above all, a burning desire for revenge.

"Don't worry about me, worry about him!" I shouted, rising to my feet so fast it was like my body got an electric shock. Heavy steps lead me toward my attacker, still pinned down by König who was almost finished attaching the man's libs together.

"How does it feel to be stuck on the ground, asshole?!" I snarled, anger oozing from every cell of my being.

He didn't respond, as he was completely stunned by König's attack. So I gave him the strongest foot kick I could muster to his ribs. The man made a loud grunt as the wind got knocked out of him, the pain reviving him on the spot. As he started to struggle, König pushed his boot down on the man's back to keep him in place.

"Careful, she's a dangerous woman," he hissed with amusement as he turned his head to me. However, the expression on my face must have been quite the sight to see since he stopped himself from giving any further input.

A voice suddenly arose from our earpieces, "What the hell was that mess out there?!"

"A man attacked Delta 1-5 from behind, he must have slipped from us. We're going to check if there's others around—over," König sharply replied, as professional as always.

"Move! I haven't finished with him!" I shouted, completely ignoring what had just been declared. My face was stretched with rage as I was having a hard time thinking straight. König looked at me with surprise when he heard my yelling. Yet, he moved aside without adding a word, letting me do whatever I saw fit for a punishment.

As soon as König stepped back, I gave the motherfucker another strong kick to his side. The pain I got in my foot was nothing compared to how adrenaline made me feel. Yet, oddly enough, the scream surging from my attacker brought me little to no satisfaction.

I grabbed a fist full of his hair to bring his head up from the floor and take a better look at him. He seemed quite young, yet he had the full thug look—tats all over his arms and neck, but I couldn't discern more.

I was only seeing him.

We continued to shoot invisible daggers at each other before he spoke up through gritted teeth.

"Without your big friend, you'd be dead! You should be in a cell with the other putas!" he snarled, his accent thick and cutting through words.

I saw red and crashed his head violently back to the ground, going for his back in the bat of an eye.

"And you are a fucking dead man!" I growled before I applied pressure on his arm. He restrained himself at first, but he eventually made some noise. Even if his hands were locked together, I knew exactly what to do to put him through hell.

"STOP! PLEASE, NO!!" the man yelled desperately.

I maintained my pressure on the man's swollen arm, ignoring his agony. The control I felt over him was overwhelming—intoxicating, almost. I was right about to dislocate his shoulder when two hands slipped under my armpits, lifting me off the ground effortlessly.

"Enough, he got what he deserved!" König scolded as I grunted in protest, boxing my legs in the air with frustration like a kid snapped out of a playground.

I immediately gave up further resistance when I felt my eyes sting, which didn't bode well. König finally brought me slowly to the ground, releasing me carefully so he could catch me again if I had the bright idea to rush back to the poor soul weeping on the ground.

My vision got blurry, and König seeing me in that state was the last thing I wanted.

"He's all yours!" I shouted as I pushed him with my shoulder and got past him, keeping my head low. "I'll see if there are others," I managed to blurt out, but not at the cost of my voice cracking a bit.

König had to take a second to process my sudden mood change.

"Hey, stay here!" he bellowed. But I didn't listen—I had to get away.

Everything clashed in me; rancor from the past, fear of having done shit, feeling so weak I wasn't able to refrain my tears—why do I have to feel so miserable now of all time?!

Anger blinded me; I wasn't even looking at the bushes when I walked past them. And it must have made me deaf too, as I didn't hear the rushed footsteps approaching before a strong grip seized my shoulder, a deep voice now rumbling behind me.

"Now's not the time to throw a tantrum!" König scolded as he turned me around, forcing me to face him.

When he noticed my reddened eyes, I witnessed his expression undergo a gradual shift from anger to concern, almost like a slow-motion sequence. He stood there, momentarily at a loss for words. When he regained composure, his voice took on a plain and reserved tone.

"You don't need to hide from me if you need to cry."

I could only bawl at him in rage.

"How could I?!" I shouted as I angrily shoved his hand to get away from his grip. "I can't be weak, I must not, and especially not in front of you! I—," I had to pause to cough as my throat got tighter after each word.

"Y/n, please..."

The look in König's eyes was the last straw; his pity was the last thing I needed. I couldn't bear to be in his presence, being this vulnerable in front of him brought a feeling so much worse than humiliation itself, and shit—I couldn't even explain why.

I tried to get away, but he firmly grabbed my wrist to keep me from fleeing again. I was madly enraged, but the last bits of reason left in my mind stopped me from trying to throw a fit more than I already did. The damage is done anyway. So I stayed with my back turned to him, still trying to hold my tears yet failing miserably. I at least forbidden myself to speak, as I knew my voice would only crack again if I tried to.

König slowly reached up and turned me around again. His hand carefully got to my chin to force my reluctant head to look up at him, his icy gaze sending immediate shivers down my spine.

"You have nothing to prove to me, soldier, so please do not hold yourself in front of me."

Words got stuck in my throat as I looked at him with glossy eyes, so he just brought my head against him, letting my helmet rest on his chest. It wasn't his place to make everything better, but at least he was trying his best to comfort me.

My meltdown slowly calmed itself as I silently sobbed against him. The anxieties, the fears, the inner battles… everything eventually quieted itself, melted with König's soothing presence. With deep inspiration, I took in his scent—a mixture of gunpowder and blood.

When I finally got back to my senses, I was now feeling extremely embarrassed by the whole situation. I could only muster a quiet "Thank you" as I kept my head locked in place, not even able to look at him.

"If you mention this to anyone, you're a dead man," I threatened, for good measure only.

He only chuckled as he softly led me away from him.

"Let's go back now, we still have a job to do," his voice returned to be neutral, even though it still betrayed some of his lasting worries.

Oh, right—we're supposed to be working. What the hell was I doing?!

I quickly got away and wiped the last tears from my face. I couldn't believe how my mind had gotten the best of me.

 

We resumed as if nothing had happened, and I only felt relieved when we all finally exfiltrated from this hellish place.

Chapter Text

Back on base, I slipped away as soon as I could. I took quite a long shower, but I still couldn't get rid of feeling like crap. I wasn't even hungry when I crawled back to my room. As I sat on my bed, images kept flashing in my mind, making it impossible to stay put.

I threw on a sweatshirt and grabbed a beer on my way to my secluded spot. The sun was setting, just like the first time I came here with König. Yet, this time, the table seemed less comfortable than the ground, so I just lazily plopped myself and laid my back against the warehouse wall without a care in the world if I would get dirty again.

Being far away from everything and everyone soothed me a bit. I don't have the strength to pretend everything's fine anyway. I opened my beer and took a sip, the taste making me frown a bit.

But then, my peace felt short lived when sounds of footsteps were coming my way. In the corner of my eye I saw my 'savior', the one I almost messed his gears with tears and snot earlier. He noticed my unlit expression as well as the beer in my hand, but chose not to comment on them.

"Hey..." he muttered softly as he took a step forward, unsure of what to say. "Just wanted to check on you, but you weren't in your room. I can leave you alone if you'd prefer that."

"No, stay" I softly pleaded. He already saw me at my worst anyway. And, now that he was here, it was like I realized I needed a presence.

His presence.

"I wanted to thank you for today. You rushed to help me, I'm really grateful for that," I declared, a bit too solemnly.

"You would have done the same," he chuckled lightly. He stared at me for a moment before adding "I'm just glad I got there on time."

Words got stuck in my throat. Memories of my worst days flooded back with how I wished I had König by my side back then.

Folding my knees to my chest, I wrapped my arms around and hid my face in them, still ashamed of my past behaviors.

"Also, I'm sorry for earlier. I shouldn't have lost my shit like that…" I finally mumbled.

He was hesitant to ask, but he eventually did.

"What happened?"

I stared in the distance, wondering how to voice what had me so enraged, why I reacted the way I did. I placed my beer on the ground next to me, knowing it wouldn't help me with untangling my messy mind.

"When that man got on top of me, I have to admit it brought… things that I thought were buried deep enough, but you'd guess it wasn't."

König sat next to me. He looked at me intently but said nothing, sticking to being better at listening rather than talking.

I could feel the weight of my past pressing down on me. My fingers nervously traced the edge of my sleeve as I struggled to find the right words. It was a moment of reckoning, a choice to either keep this painful chapter of my life hidden—or, to trust König with the pieces of myself I had guarded for so long. Considering that he said nothing about my earlier meltdown to anyone, his presence also offered comfort; a silent reassurance that turned out to be the last push I needed to unsealed my lips.

"When I tried to enter the police, a douchebag had a grip against me since day one. He acted like he owned the place, and it actually wasn't that far from the truth… He was a jerk to everyone of course, but especially to me. A real misogynistic asshole, always giving me twisted nicknames, claiming to everyone I was a whore."

König's hand clenched into a fist when the insult slipped from my lips but he remained silent, allowing me to continue my story.

"I was quick to report his sexist remarks. But it—" I paused and took a quick, sharp breath. "They didn't do shit about it. It only resulted in infuriating him even more, turning his behaviors to some kind of bullying. Yet, I stayed. I endured."

The words stumbled out, each one carrying the weight of my hidden burden. But I paused again, still hesitant to unravel the layers I had carefully constructed around me after all those years.

"I'm listening..." König said, his voice calm as he placed a hand over mine. The contact surprised me, especially considering that König wasn't known for being a tactile person, thus putting even more weight on his gesture. I took a long, deep breath as his touch gave me the last bit of courage I needed to continue.

"He jumped on the first opportunity to make me pay, quite literally in fact. He knew the schedule of everyone, even had access to areas where he should have not. He trapped me in a secluded spot, ranted about how I basically deserved his treatment since I was apparently 'making him look bad' on purpose."

As I continued, all left hesitations faded, and the walls around my heart gradually crumbled.

"That day, he took his bullying a step further and threatened me with a knife. He had a real meltdown, all I could understand is that his daddy pressured him a lot, and I guess he couldn't stand how I was so passionate about a job he was so reluctant about."

König was shocked into silence. He kept my hand firmly in his as he took the time to process what I had just revealed. I let my head fall onto his shoulder, feeling so much exhaustion just for recalling those heavy memories. All my emotions were melting into a big mess, and for once I finally let them all out.

"When I went to report him again, that scum had already planned everything. That's when I learned he was the son of some higher ups as he somehow had his dad butt his nose into the matter, convincing him that I was the problem," I hissed, injustice still stinging my heart. "I was fired even before I could explain myself. I just had to shut up, take my things and leave."

"What a bastard..." König murmured, his voice full of contempt.

We fell into a profound silence as we stayed like this, me resting against König while the remnants of my anger slowly drowned away from me. The act of opening up became a cathartic release: even though I just shared something deeply personal, I was somewhat at ease when König spoke again.

"And you still went into the army after that?" he asked softly, rather impressed yet not surprised.

"Yep, can you believe it?" I chuckled more light heartedly. "Maybe it was the spirit of contradiction, but I still enlisted and I'm glad I did; it revealed somewhat of a potential I didn't even know I had."

König let out a light laugh as his strong hand fell down on my shoulder, roughly shaking me against him in a friendly manner.

"Of course you have potential, you almost broke a guy's arm today!" he cheered up, succeeding in bringing a smile on my lips.

We fell into a brief silence as his arm stayed wrapped around tightly, my head not leaving his chest. It wasn't hard to give in to the warmth König was offering, he had somewhat of a comforting aura. It really was disturbingly contrasting with the first impressions anyone would get from him.

"Can we stay like this for a bit, please?" I asked selfishly as I nuzzled myself against him. It was like I was craving for something like this for so long, I couldn't muster to get away so soon.

"Of course, stay for as long as you need Schatz" he muttered, his voice almost tender while his hand squeezed my shoulder.

I crackled at the sudden use of another language. König usually didn't speak his mother tongue, the rare occasions being mostly in intense moments like on the battlefield.

"Schatz? What's that?" I chuckled.

He froze, like I caught him in the act. He stayed still and tensed, before eventually releasing one word only.

"Cat."

I raised an eyebrow as I registered the random piece of information. It made me wonder why he was getting worked up over something so innocent.

"It just felt more fitting than 'Kitten', you know?" he defended. I tilted my head to catch his eyes but he avoided my gaze. I only smiled at the sight, feeling too tired to pry further anyway.

 

"It's much better, I like it," I replied, and König's body finally relaxed when I brought my head back against him.

Chapter Text

A few weeks have passed since I've opened up about my past to König. We haven't brought the subject back on the table ever since, but I've noticed him being more present, even a bit overprotective at times. In fact, it's only since we got closer that I've noticed he was frequently sent on solo missions in between larger ones, although he wasn't allowed to disclose much more about them.

It was almost lunch break when I went looking for him as I learned he had just returned on base. I finally found him alone in the outdoor training area. At first, I was curious about what he was doing, but his swift movements and the sounds of metal meeting wood made it clear he was practicing knife throwing.

I approached him as he threw another one and hit the target dead center. When he heard the sound of my impressed whistle, he quickly glanced over his shoulders.

"What are you doing out here, Schatz?" he asked with a curious tone.

"Searching for you actually" I answered with a smile. My gaze wandered over the different targets, all covered in knife indents. "What about you?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer.

His gaze followed the path of my own eyes as his hands reached for another knife. As if to prove his point, he aimed and let his arms move in a seemingly uncoordinated manner. Yet, he still managed to hit the target dead center again, right next to the blade that was already stuck there, in a rather impressive yet oddly satisfying manner.

"Not much as you can see," he said in a playful tone before he turned back to face me proudly. But when he saw my face, his expression quickly changed.

My eyes, sparkling with enthusiasm, were pleading him without the need for words.

"Oh no, not again..." he mumbled.

"Come on, pretty please?" I asked as I held my gaze, tilting my head slightly to the side in hopes my puppy eyes would somehow convince him. Last time he tried to put a knife in my hands, it almost finished with me breaking it because of how poorly I was doing.

He scratched the back of his neck as he tried to resist me, but to no avail. He let out a quiet chuckle before his eyes softened, finally falling for my act.

"Okay, okay" he surrendered, "you win, let's try again."

I squealed with excitement, thrilled to be able to get my revenge with the tool I have yet to gain mastery of.

He went to the target that already had several knives embedded in it. In a rather fluid motion, he took out the knives stuck in an extremely elegant and swift manner. Afterward, he took a deep breath as he looked back at me, seemingly mentally preparing himself for the mess that was to come.

"Just remember not to hit any major arteries…" he instructed, his tone carrying a hint of seriousness.

With his free hand, he gestured for me to come closer, so I eagerly went to him like a lost puppy would to his owner. He firmly gripped my shoulders and placed me right in front of a target. He started to adjust my stance while explaining the proper movements—but first without any blade, to avoid any unnecessary damage.

"No, hold your arm upwards, just like this," he instructed, adjusting it into place for me. "Alright, take a step back. And... Now, let me see how you do it."

He released his hold on me so I could do some practice throws. He analyzed my movements with great attention, genuinely wanting to help me to improve. He cared and, as weeks flew by, that caring had slowly turned into a sort of affection. And it showed, as he usually wasn't as patient or attentive with other members.

"Not bad, you're getting the idea" he said as he took a step back to observe me. My determination was visible, so his voice grew softer while he continued to supervise me.

I eventually succeeded enough in König's eye to earn the tip of one of his knives placed between my thumb and index finger. The blade felt cold and thicker than your typical kitchen knives. It was polished too, yet another proof of how he took meticulous care of them.

I took aim at the target and adjusted my elbow slightly, back and forth, my eyes narrowing as I focused on my objective. With all the strength I could muster, I hurled the knife forward, the swishing sound of its flight cutting through the air. Yet, despite all König's best advice, the blade hit the target by the handle and clattered to the floor with a metallic thud best described as "defeat".

"You sure you're one of our best snipers?" König teased, but wisely stopped when I shot him a deadly glare. "Hey, don't get discouraged, you're getting there, Schatz" he chuckled, his tone still amused.

"Hmm..." he mumbled to himself, considering what advice to give while I went to retrieve the knife. "Let me try again for you," he said in a rather comforting tone, extending his hand so I could hand him the knife back.

He handled it with great care, cautiously pinching it between his fingers as if it was a rather delicate object. Focused, he took a step back and patiently re-explained to me the procedure, even though my attention was mostly fixed on his figure. With a swift, fluid motion, he threw the knife, but I wasn't even watching the blade's trajectory; my gaze was fixated on König, as if hypnotized by the way his muscles tensed when he shot it.

The knife spun through the air and made a solid impact with the target, sinking nearly half its blade deep into it. The sound brought me back to reality, like I had just been rudely awakened from a pleasant dream.

"Alright, try again" he instructed.

I rapidly collected my thoughts and König shoved another knife in my hand before adjusting my stance once more. The proximity between us was slightly unnerving; I felt a sudden rush of adrenaline pursing through me. My mind alternated between being calm and focused on the task and then, suddenly, wondering about what it would be like to feel those hands back on me again...

...But I need to calm down. The knife, the target, that's what matters.

I took my shot but, to my disappointment, I missed the target by just mere inches.

I let out a frustrated groan as König walked over to me, placing the tip of yet another knife in my throwing hand, clearly resolved to help me succeed in any way possible. It seemed like even he knew that, deep down, wielding this weapon was my way of finding closure with my past torments.

As he stood closely behind me, he wrapped his arms around almost instinctively.

"Let's try this again, but this time I'll help," he said, his voice soft as he guided my arms into the correct position, his body pressed against mine. He then lowered his lips to my ear and whispered, "Don't focus on your arm… don't overthink it, let your instincts guide you and nothing else."

If I listened to my instincts, I wouldn't be throwing knives right now…

The need to focus, the need to succeed was greater—yet, my heart was racing in my ribcage, König's whispering only adding to my distress.

As one unit, I let König guide my movements to throw the knife. It cut through the air before landing in the target, not far from the center.

"There we go..." he praised, "Do you want to go one more time?"

"Back off," I said as I extricated myself from his grasp with the help of my elbows, feeling my cheeks grow dangerously hotter than normal. "I'll show you how it's done!"

I was glad to have finally hit that damn target, but it's not like I could count that as a victory.

He crossed his arms and eyed me with a rather puzzled expression. "If you're sure" he hesitated, his voice filled with skepticism as I went to collect the knives back. He, I, everyone knew at this point I was a lost cause, but I was also stubborn. The more he would try to babysit me, the more I would resist, and he was well aware of that by now.

He took a few steps back as I aimed again, taking into account all I had learned so far. My honor was on the line here: after all, if I couldn't get this right, even I would start to think I was failing on purpose.

I threw the knife and, to my own surprise, it hit the target, finally!!

Yet, I contained my joy and slowly turned around to face König again. I gave him the smuggest smirk I could muster, mocking him almost for not trusting me—even though I, too, wouldn't have bet on my success a minute ago.

He could do little more than watch as I taunted him, my smirk looking like it had been made specifically to piss him off. He held in his laughter as he observed my teasing. If anything, he expected it.

"...Prove it again" he finally dared.

"But of course, sir," I chanted as I raised my chin up, taking on his challenge immediately.

I faced the target again and cracked my neck in with a satisfying "pop". I positioned myself and aimed with newfound confidence, now going for it effortlessly. I hit again, then a third time, each shot landing on the target. I still had room for improvement of course, but compared to before, this was still a big step up.

"Well, it seems I get it now!" I chirped triumphantly. I turned toward König again with a sweet, victory expression plastered on my face, expecting some kind of compliment.

He said nothing for a good moment, a brief pause where he looked away to hide an endeared expression, but it was clearly visible nonetheless; his eyes betrayed him as soon as they focused back on me.

"Well done Schatz, you managed not to kill anyone!" he praised sarcastically before going toward the targets to wrap up our little session.

I enjoy the harmless banters I share with König, but when he uses that affectionate nickname that only he can pull off… It's like all my repartee disappear for an instant. I could only describe the feeling as a perfect opposition to the discomfort brought by Kevin each time he called me 'Kitten'.

Feeling playful again, I closed the distance between us, wearing a smirk of defiance. While he was retrieving the knives, I grabbed the last one before him. With deliberate precision, I placed the tip on his chest, grazing it over his tactical gear before holding the knife horizontally with only one finger placed at the tip of the handle.

"I still could" I teased, my voice low, almost sensual, while mischief danced in my eyes when I made eye contact with him.

He just let out an amused scoff, yet my teasing seemed to have an interesting effect on him. His eyebrows arched, and it was clear from the fire in his eyes that he was not immune to the playful banter.

There was no way to deny it: he liked it.

"Hmm... You could certainly try..." he said in a rather soft tone. "Or…" he trailed off, his eyes darting around mine as his voice lowered.

He gently placed his hand on top of mine, slowly but surely guided the knife upwards to his face. His unexpected move sent a shiver down my spine as there was something almost erotic about our position; the tension between us became electric as the scent of his aftershave filled my senses, blending in with the metallic tang of his gear.

"... you could try to rip open the mask, see for yourself what's hiding under here," he taunted, his voice almost too soft to be heard. His expression grew even more mischievous as his head tilted to the side, almost like an invitation.

Each passing second that went by became a great torture as my heart raced in my chest. I had to keep my cool, but I was gradually losing it as something stirred within me. I couldn't help but feel... excited. König's boldness at that moment ignited a fire in me. How could I not want to see more?

My eyes darted between his hood and his captivating, blue eyes, and my heart almost burst out of my chest when I noticed his gaze dropping to my lips.

"Not that I would let you" he finally smirked, obvious satisfaction in his voice for successfully silencing me. I had to blink twice to snap back to reality as he grabbed the knife back from my hand.

Then, with a deliberate slowness, he lowered his head towards mine and my breath caught in my throat. Without understanding why, I closed my eyes involuntarily as he drew perilously close to my slightly parted lips.

But nothing happened.

I only felt his hand gently tucking a strand of hair behind my ear and my eyes flew open in realization, only to find König's back as he strolled away.

"What? Were you expecting something?" he teased, a knowing chuckle escaping him as his wrist was playfully waving at me. "Come on, let's go grab something to eat before there's nothing left," he added, as if nothing had ever occurred.

 

I froze for a moment before my cheeks burned with shame, unwilling to admit even to myself that I had indeed been expecting something.

Chapter Text

I was waiting in the meeting room for the briefing to commence, as a new mission was about to begin. And, to my surprise, König entered just before it started. I hadn't even realized he was back on base. Lately, his presence had become sporadic, always sent away on his solo missions.

I tried to keep my eyes off him and focus on the mission details. However, it became increasingly challenging, and my gaze was inevitably drawn back to him. There was something about him that captivated my attention every damn time. Our playful bickering had the power to shift my mood from calm to excited in the blink of an eye—and yet, this dynamic felt oddly… refreshing.

Back on the mission for a minute:
We were all going to camp in teams of 2. Each duo would be spread out across a large zone suspected of hosting illegal activities so we could monitor it for a few days.

I didn't even have the time to feel uneasy about being the only woman in the room—which meant I'd be camping with a male partner for a week. As the teams were laid down to us, it was set up so I was paired with König. He made direct eye contact with me, making it clear that this would be an interesting partnership.

With the meeting now ended, everyone set about their tasks for the upcoming mission. The atmosphere was good-natured as team members packed their bags with rations and decided who would have to carry the tent at rock paper scissor. I was fortunate enough to not worry about these logistics, since having a partner as strong as König had its advantages.

With all our gear and equipment sorted into the different jeeps' trunks, we hit the road. The drive was a long one, nearly 4 hours in total, as arriving with a helicopter wasn't really an option when sent on a recon mission. Everyone engaged in casual conversation to pass the time, sharing camping experiences and anecdotes. König remained rather quiet, which wasn't out of the ordinary for him.

At our stop, König and I stepped out of the car, each of us shouldering our large backpacks. We made our way into the forest, searching for our designated spot. It felt like a little stroll in the local park as I let König guide us, completely trusting him on that task. After about 30 minutes of walking, we found the location we had to set up our tent, nicely hidden away in a secluded spot.

We quickly took on the task of setting up our camp while the sun was still high. König's expertise shone as he efficiently chose the ideal spot for the tent, considering protection from wind and rain, and even how to store our food safely without attracting wildlife—while I, on the other hand, found myself struggling with even the most basic tent-pitching instructions.

"Fuck, why is this part upside down now?!" I grumbled in frustration, annoyed I couldn't get this done on my own.

"Relax, let me help you," König offered in his typically calm manner. He placed his hands on the problematic part and then knelt down to examine it closely. With careful movements, he adjusted the piece until it was in its correct place.

"Better?" he finally asked, his tone neutral.

"Hmm" I grunted, my annoyance subsiding a bit. He hadn't even bothered to consult the instructions when he fixed the issue. "What are you, an ex-scout?" I asked sarcastically, "How come you even know how to set up a tent by heart?"

König's expression softened as he stood back up.

"Hmm... Let's just say my time in the Special Forces has... taught me a few things" he replied cryptically.

König went to observe me instantly as I worked on the last part, his gaze tracking every one of my movements like a hawk.

"Need help?" he quietly asked, almost as if talking to himself.

"Nah I'm good" I quickly replied, even though I honestly wasn't really sure of what I was doing—but my stubbornness once again pressed me to succeed on my own.

König watched me, amused, letting me continue with whatever inter quest I was having. I was almost finished with the damn tent, but the last step was kind of tedious as I had to hold some metal rods up while attaching the protective layer on top of them, and I was clearly struggling.

König seemed to hold a smile at my attempt, though it quickly grew into a frown of confusion as he moved a step forward to help; but it was already too late: I tripped over my own foot and fell backwards. König tried to catch me in a reflex, therefore at the cost of him falling with me.

König held me on top of him, his face now barely inches from mine, his hands lingering on my waist. He sighed before the sound of his soft laughter filled my ears.

"You ok?" he chuckled, his voice breaking a bit with glee.

I could feel my cheeks getting warmer as I placed my hands and elbows on his chest to lift my head up, stealing a quiet sigh from him as my chest brushed against his in the process.

"Well, that was a success..."

He couldn't help but stifle a laugh at my comment. "I'd say so!" he playfully disagreed.

I looked back at him with a semi-annoyed expression, a pout still hanging on my lips. Yet, when our eyes locked with each other, I felt my heart starting to beat a bit faster. It made me snap back to reality, soon realizing the position we were still in.

"We should go back to it; I don't really want to sleep under the stars" I hurried as I got off of König completely. I then held out my hand to help him stand up.

He allowed his eyes to wander around me. His gaze eventually met mine again, his expression taking on a mischievous twist as he took my hand with his. However, instead of going up, he pulled me with force toward him, making me fall on him again. A strangled cry escaped me as he wrapped his arm around me once more to break my fall. I was too stunned to speak while he let out a big laugh, shaking both of our bodies in the process. I froze for a moment, too surprised by König's unexpected stunt, but I eventually spoke up when his laughter began to die down.

"If I had known you liked it so much when people fell on you, I would have done it sooner," I pointed out with a mixture of annoyance and amusement in my voice. Still, I couldn't help the smile that claimed my lips.

"You're insufferable," König teased back, his gaze roaming over my face before he let his head fall back against the ground. He still held me by the waist, his arm wrapped tightly around to keep me in place. "I was just taking a break," he concluded as he closed his eyes.

I put my hands on his chest again to lift myself up a bit and get closer to his head. I let my finger wander to his nose, giving it a playful boop over the mask.

"And you need a hug to take a break, do you? Mind you, I won't be your personal teddy bear for the night," I teased while looking at him through half closed eyelids. His eyes opened back and narrowed with a rather pleased expression, and I inched even closer to his face.

"Careful, I snore when I sleep" I warned with a hushed voice.

His laughter rang out again, and we soon returned to our task of finishing this god damn tent. Night fell quickly and, after a simple meal, it was time for both of us to get some well-deserved rest. Each team had to take turns monitoring the area at night, and we were fortunate enough not to get the first shift after such an exhausting day.

König remained still in his sleeping bag as I fidgeted about, adding more layers of clothing and socks on top of my thermal wears to combat the biting cold of the forest. His grunts of annoyance were evident while I was freezing to death. He even shifted in his sleeping bag to create more distance between us.

The tent was shrouded in near-complete darkness, but I could make out his arm resting on his chest atop the outer layer of his sleeping bag. The bastard was only wearing his long sleeve shirt. Earlier, I also took notice of how his sleeping bag was remarkably oversized to accommodate him; it could easily fit two people inside.

"König?" I finally whispered, my voice barely audible in the darkness. "Are you cold?"

"Mmph" he grunted, his eyes still closed as I was yet again disturbing his sleep. "No. Are you?" he asked, though his dry tone suggested he was merely being polite.

"Yes." I replied, my own discomfort undeniable. After a brief moment of hesitation, I decided to speak up again.

"Would you mind if—" but I was cut off by an emphatic grunt.

"Nope, don't even bother asking," he groaned as he turned his back on me, already anticipating my request.

"Come on, pretty please!" I almost begged. "I won't be able to work properly if I can't get some sleep," I pleaded, well aware of König's soft spot for professionalism—even though my implicit demand was anything but professional.

Left with no response from König, I swallowed my pride and continued, "Please, I promise I'll behave," wishing that my voice wasn't showing how desperate I was at this point, but it's not really like I had another choice.

He grunted as I gently tugged on his shoulder, while I was feeling like a child wanting to climb into their parents' bed but being denied to.

After a few more moments of silence, he turned to face me, his gaze serious as he contemplated whether to let me sleep with him or not. As he discerned somewhat of a lost child expression on my face, he finally complied with my inappropriate demand with a deep sigh.

"You better not keep me from sleeping, make it quick before I change my mind," he grudgingly conceded.

König shifted to create some space for me, enough not to have our bodies touching at least. I didn't waste time with words; I just swiftly slipped into his sleeping bag. It was significantly warmer, allowing me to remove the extra layers of clothing I'd put on earlier for better comfort. It felt like being enveloped in a heated cocoon. In the end, all I needed was König's natural body heat for me to have a restful night's sleep.

With our backs facing each other, I settled in, placing my hand beneath my cheek. I closed my eyes, feeling alas the realm of dreams calling for me.

"Thanks, good night König" I muttered, my voice soft and already laden with drowsiness.

He let out a sigh before nodding. "Good night, Schatz" he replied, his voice still hoarse but noticeably softer than before. With that, he arranged himself for sleep too.

 

I barely had time to consider the appropriateness of the situation as I drifted off to sleep almost instantly, König's warmth clearly playing a significant role in that.

Chapter Text

As I slowly woke up, I found myself wrapped with a pleasant warmth all around me, but I was oddly having some trouble breathing; like, as if something was right in front of my nose. Only darkness greeted me when I opened my eyes, meaning I still could try to fall asleep again.

When I attempted to shift my position, that's when I realized my head was pressed on König's chest. Somehow, during the night, our bodies had turned to face each other. His arm had encircled me, holding me close as though I were his human-sized teddy bear.

I pondered whether to chuckle or frown at the situation, ultimately deciding to do nothing as to avoid waking him up while being in this compromising state. I thought about what to do for a good minute, but I eventually settled on the wise decision of repositioning myself in a more appropriate way—as appropriate as sharing a sleeping bag with a male colleague could be, at least.

I managed to carefully extricate myself from his grasp and turn to face the other way. However, as I was almost done with that improvised stealth exercise, König reached out and pulled me back, slipping his arms around my waist once more. He held me from behind, effectively changing my teddy bear status to that of a little spoon.

König let out a contented, deep hum as he rested his head above mine, his breathing growing deep and regular again. As I felt his warmth claiming all of my back, I could sense my cheeks flush slightly. But they got warmer, furiously warmer when I felt something hard poking me from behind. I instantly knew what it was, and it confirmed to me that he was indeed genuinely sleeping and not playing a prank on me—he would never hug me in that state. I'm even convinced he would be mortified if he were to wake up now.

Besides, what would happen if he wakes up? Would he shove me out of here? Act as if nothing's wrong? With his hand right on my stomach, he would just need to lower it a little to pull down my pants, then do the same with his, and then he could…

I sighed as I forced my eyes shut, now's not the time to have my mind in the gutter. But I'm not seeing how I can get back to sleep despite this awkward situation. And trying to get away would be futile considering König's stature. He was a dead weight at this point, there was no world where I was shifting him aside without waking him up.

Yet… I had to admit it was still nice to be held like this, even though there weren't any deep implications behind König's sleeping gesture. I let him cradle me gently as his hand was still resting on my clothed stomach, moving with it as I breathed slowly. His embrace had something so soothing I couldn't fight against it. Without realizing it, I soon drifted off to sleep again.

I awoke later to the subtle sounds of the birds chirping outside, the soft morning light filtering through the forest's canopy of leaves. I couldn't feel König's presence beside me, but the memory of his embrace brought a small smile to my face, as well as a lot of embarrassing thoughts. I quickly got up, not wanting to delay our daily tasks more than it needed to.

König never mentioned our sleep-cuddle session, so I decided not to bring it up as well. In reality, I was mostly worried he wouldn't allow me to sleep with him again if he knew that I knew, if himself knew what happened. There was still a chance he shifted in his sleep again after all…

Anyway, the day went off mostly without a hitch. Night fell, and with it, our responsibility to monitor the area too. I gladly took the first half of the night as I was having the inner strategy of letting König warm his sleeping bag for me.

Around 2 a.m., König left the tent to take his turn. He sat next to me with his back against a tree, his hands gripping his assault rifle, his gaze vacant, not exactly looking at anything.

"Anything to report?" he asked in a hushed tone, turning slightly to face me.

"Nope, nothing," I replied.

I handed the night vision binoculars to König. He took them and scanned the area carefully. As I stood beside him, the cold night air made me shiver despite my multiple layers of clothing, to the point König noticed my trembling in the corner of his eyes.

"You can go back to the tent and sleep now," he offered in a quiet voice.

I rubbed my hands together to warm them up as I looked up to him with tired eyes.

"Can I—"

Without letting me finish my question, König cut me mid-sentence as he anticipated my request once again.

"Yes, you can use my sleeping bag," he smirked, his voice still hoarse from just waking up.

"For real?" I hushly cooed as a smile stretched across my face.

"You look like a child who's been told they're going to Disneyland," he teased.

"And you look like someone who would be refused on every Disneyland's ride because of their height," I shot back.

Konig chuckled at my quick comeback, "That was a good one," he commented as his eyes grew warmer. "You think you can walk to the tent by yourself without falling over it?"

"Shut up, we said we wouldn't talk about it anymore," I yawned as I got up. Yet, instead of going back to the tent right away, I took two steps toward König and sat myself in between his legs, showing my back to him. I could sense in König's silent reaction that he was a bit surprised, but he didn't seem to mind.

"Being in the wild brings back memories," I started to ramble. "It reminds me of when I went camping with my parents when I was little."

"Yeah," he quietly agreed, slowly moving his hands to his bent knees, caging me even more in between them. "It reminds me of my childhood too," he said with a soft tone.

My body was slowly warming up as it was surrounded with König's natural warmth again. He's like a portable heater I even thought.

Reluctant to leave him so soon now that we could finally afford a calm moment, I kept the conversation going.

"And what kind of kid were you?"

A sound of hesitation bubbled in his throat as he thought about what to say.

"A stubborn and curious child," he finally replied, "always in my bubble when I wasn't questioning things."

He slightly shifted his position to get more comfortable, growing closer to me in the process, and closed his eyes for a moment, reminiscing. "What about you?" he asked back.

"I think you can guess," I answered jokingly as I turned my head slightly to look at him.

His eyes snapped back open to meet mine, seeming to study every detail of my face for a brief moment.

"Troublemaker?" he then teased with an audible smirk.

I made a noise of disapproval before answering. "I was very energetic, always in need to do something, but still—I was behaving. Though, I was maybe known for fighting with boys if they bothered me or my friends too much."

Konig's gaze wandered toward my body, his eyes pausing on my covered arms.

"I can imagine," he muttered.

"How was it for you? Your childhood I mean," I asked, recalling the little he has already shared with me, really hoping I wasn't delving too far.

His eyes returned to my face before he took a long, deep breath. "Not great" he answered plainly.

"My father was a violent man," he started before stopping himself. He eventually continued despite himself, perhaps it was his grogginess getting the best of him. "He was an alcoholic. He hurt me, he hurt my mother," he resumed, his gaze shifting forward in the distance. "I was only three years old when he gave me the scar above my eye."

I felt my chest tighten, but I was also surprised by how easily he opened up about himself after a single question from me.

He fell silent for a moment, his eyes looking down and away from mine. I shifted and turned to face him properly, and I placed my hand on his shin in a comforting manner. I stayed silent too, not really knowing what to say that would help him in that moment; my touch being the only thing I could muster to do. He quickly turned his gaze back to me as he felt my hand on him.

"I tried to protect my mom back then, but I wasn't strong enough."

A long silence followed, with nothing but the light wind in the background. I got the urge to scoot closer, so I did. I shifted my position again so I could rest my head on his chest, trying to ignore his tactical vest and the other equipment in between us.

"What happened to your mom?" I asked candidly, almost in a whisper, yet a bit fearful of his answer.

"She got away from him when I was almost a teen, she took me with her," he stated plainly as one of his hands found my shoulder. "But it's been a few years since I've heard about her, I've lost all contact."

"I see," I whispered softly, "...I'm sorry."

König then wrapped his other arm around me, closing the hug. A small sigh escaped him as our bodies pressed tightly against each other, and a subtle warmth claimed my face when he rested his chin on top of my skull.

"Don't be. I'm just not used to talk about it, that's all" he muttered, making me feel his jaw moving slightly on my scalp.

Being in his embrace felt so soothing and warm that, at that moment, I wished I could stay against him all night. However, duty called—König needed to monitor the area, and I had to return to the tent to get some rest.

As we parted, I caught for an instant the reflection of the moon in his eyes. They held a hint of sadness, and it's like a needle poked my heart when I saw it. Almost on autopilot, my face moved toward his again, and I kissed his cheek over the mask without giving it a second thought.

König tensed up, and that immediately shocked me to take the control back of my freaking senses. I felt panic starting to seize me as I harshly got to my feet, my heart racing uncontrollably.

"Uhm, I'll see you in the morning, bye!" I blurred out, trying to mask my own embarrassment with a rushed farewell that was everything but convincing.

 

"Good night, Schatz…" König muttered quietly, his voice almost a murmur while I was quickly retreating to the tent; as if hiding myself in it would erase that 'spur of a moment thingy' I just had.

Chapter Text

Next morning felt like mere minutes later. As I was in König's sleeping bag (obviously), it was like I weighed a ton. Restless and consumed by thoughts of last night, I debated remaining hidden in the tent for the day. I felt like, if I would go outside, it would only to bang my head against a tree. However, facing König was inevitable… He was surely still outside, monitoring the area at the same spot I left him last night, eager to get his turn to rest and maybe even some explanations…

After what felt like an eternity, I slowly gathered the courage to emerge out of the tent and saw König exactly where I'd expected him, still on monitoring duty. I took a deep breath, looking out at the vast forest in front of me, unsure of what to do to get away from this awkward situation. I settled on preparing some instant coffee, hoping that a hot drink in this cold morning would help ease the potential tension. And, with our mouths occupied, we wouldn't be able to bring anything up. For a few minutes, at least…

With the beverages in hand, I went near him in silence and offered him his cup. As he took a sip, his expression relaxed a bit and he gestured for me to join him. We sat side by side and I sipped my coffee in silence, avoiding eye contact at all costs.

When I reached for the binoculars on the ground, König's hand accidentally touched mine as he reached for it at the same time, causing yet another moment of awkwardness. We quickly withdrew our hands off, both startled by the sudden contact.

"Sorry, go on," he apologized under his breath, and I grabbed the binoculars again. I was struggling to focus; even though the lenses were in front of my eyes, it was like I couldn't see a thing for a moment. Despite my resolve to act "normal", this situation seemed more challenging than expected…

At least the morning was serene, filled with the sounds of waking nature; birds chirped, the wind rustled the leaves, overall creating a peaceful atmosphere. As I gazed through the binoculars, I felt König's eyes on me. Yet, despite the growing awkwardness, I stubbornly avoided addressing it.

Suddenly, just when König was about to say something, a rustling sound pierced the tranquil nature around us, instantly alerting the both of us. It was subtle but unmistakable, just noticeable enough to feel out of place. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't pinpoint exactly where the source of the sound was.

In a swift motion, König's hands wrapped around me, bringing us to the ground and into the cover of a bush. He instinctively placed a hand over my mouth, anticipating and muffling any startled sounds out of me.

Heart pounding, I laid still as König, almost on top of me, slowly released the hold he had on my body. He took the binoculars from my hands, holding them in one while slowly reaching for his gun with the other, and scanned the surroundings. Through parted leaves, I could see the obvious tension emanating from his figure as he scrutinized the distant treeline and searched for the origin of the noise.

The silence was broken once again by another rustling sound in the distance, this one louder but still hard to pinpoint with the thick nature cover. I tried to look around, alas being buried in a bush made the task unsurprisingly difficult. Slowly but surely, König extended his hand the other way so he could grab the sniper rifle that always strategically sat nearby. As he passed it to me carefully, his eyes locked with mine for a few seconds, conveying everything I needed to know through his sharp, piercing gaze.

König remained motionless, breath held, his focus unwavering as he tracked every distant sound again. When I held the rifle, I acknowledged the cold metal against my skin and peered through the scope, sweeping the horizon. There, through the lens, I spotted several figures moving in the distance, and it was evident they weren't here for a morning walk. The silhouettes continued their cautious pace to wherever they were going to, my eyes not leaving them for a second.

A subtle sensation near my ear startled me—it was König's hand, brushing away some of my hair to ensure my intercom was in place. Confirming its presence, he silently rose, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. He moved through the bushes with practiced stealth, nearing the figures without a sound. I maintained my vigil through the scope, observing the subtle rustling of leaves as he approached. The suspicious men seemed oblivious to König's presence as he stayed at a reasonable distance from them.

When they almost moved beyond my sight, I alerted König through the radio, "They're going away from my field of view. If you continue, I won't be able to cover you."

Despite everything, König pressed forward, well aware that although they were out of my sight, they were still in his.

"Copy that," he whispered through the intercom. "I'll push forward, stay back in case of others, out."

I noticed the subtle movements in the bushes a few more times before König vanished from my sight too. Switching radio channels, I informed other teams and our command of what was going on.

After approximately an hour, something was slowly making its way back towards me, skillfully using the surroundings to stay as invisible as possible.

"König, is that you over there?" I asked through the radio.

The movements in the bushes stopped and, after a short silence, I heard a response in my earpiece.

"Ja, you have good eyes, Schatz," he whispered before he resumed his slow pace. Observing him moving closer, my gaze remained fixed on his every move. His approach was cautious, almost ghost-like as he kept to the shadows and concealed himself with the bushes. I couldn't help but be amazed by the performance, as an imposing stature like his was an obvious disadvantage in that kind of feat.

Before long, he reached my position. He was audibly breathing, likely exhausted from his long covert activities. He crouched down next to me, ensuring his movements remained discreet. The tension of potentially being found out was still very present in the both of us, but I noticed the subtle change in his expression nonetheless, signaling that whatever mission he had completed was at least mostly a success.

König reported what he found out through the intercoms, providing me with the same information as everyone else. He had followed the suspicious men to a secluded zone in the woods that resembled a safe house. While he couldn't go in there alone, it was still a valuable starting point for everyone to look into.

After making a last round to confirm the safety of the area, König leaned against a tree behind me and took a deep breath. He looked at me, as if struggling to articulate his thoughts. Instead, he simply gestured for me to come closer. Raising an eyebrow, I eventually crawled my way toward him, starting to worry about his condition.

"Are you alright?" I asked in a hushed, concerned tone, starting to check if he had any visible injury somewhere. As I approached, König's expression only softened. He simply sighed and placed a hand on my head, catching me completely off guard as he brushed my scalp gently, seemingly content to be back.

"Good work earlier," he whispered, his chest rising and falling with deep breaths as he just continued to pet my hair a little more before withdrawing his gloved hand.

"You've done most of it, so go rest now. I'll stay on overwatch," I instantly suggested, noticing his increasing fatigue. His body relaxed when he looked around, taking in the fresh air of the forest, probably still coming down from the rush of adrenaline. It seemed like he was about to say something but stopped himself, opting for silence again. Eventually, he got up and returned to the tent, finally disappearing inside.

I remained vigilant, keeping an eye out with my sniper always within reach, while König didn't even rest: he spent the entire day focused on various documents, and that was when he wasn't personally called on the radio to plan the future of the operation.

In the evening, the figures eventually reappeared, retracing their steps before nightfall. After further checking with our command, it was now time for another team's turn to overwatch the area for the night.

We shared some rations and, with the adrenaline and work mode wearing off, my thoughts eventually returned to last night. I hesitated a bit to bring up the subject; even though I was heavily leaning toward the current solution, as in: 'Nothing happened last night, what are you even thinking about?' And, since König was maintaining his nonchalant demeanor, it subtly urged me to keep that mindset.

I felt an overall fatigue slowly enveloping me, so I entered the tent first and slipped into my sleeping bag. When König joined me, he appeared more relaxed too. I observed him as he removed his gear and equipment, placing them on the ground one by one. He noticed my shameless scrutiny for a moment, but he didn't comment on it.

As he approached his sleeping bag, I was suddenly taken aback by his appearance: through the fading grease paint, I could see the bags under his eyes—which only added to the global exhaustion in his demeanor. The day's fatigue was really catching up to him. If any lingering hesitation remained, it all evaporated when I looked into his tired, droopy orbs. Bringing up anything about last night would only cause unnecessary trouble, and that's how I was definitely convinced to remain silent about it.

Eventually, König broke the silence as our eyes continued to meet.

"Are you cold?"

His question sent a shiver down my spine as the implications behind it quickly hit home. Yet, I nodded, fully aware of what would ensue. König's drowsy eyes noted my response, noticing how fast the message was received and, without saying a word, the unspoken understanding hung in the air. He only shifted in his sleeping bag, making space for me to join him.

"If you want to, that is," he added in a hushed, almost whispered tone.

Without any hesitation, I swiftly left my sleeping bag to join his, and König adjusted his position again to accommodate me.

"It's more that I don't want to lose my toes to the cold!" I chuckled softly as I settled in.

The warmth inside soon enveloped me, rendering the cold weather outside fortunately totally irrelevant. König's presence beside me was both calming and yet slightly unnerving as a brief silence lingered before he spoke again.

"It's not likely that your toes would freeze if they're inside your sleeping bag," he said groggily, stating the obvious, probably aiming to break the tension that had settled between us today.

"You won't blame me for not wanting to check that by myself, I hope?" I retorted as our eyes crossed paths. Leaning his head on his elbow, a subtle smile surely played on his lips when he heard my response, trying to suppress a chuckle while I noticed how his cheekbones stretched upward a bit.

The tension in the air began to dim down as I embraced his natural, comforting warmth next to me. He even shifted his legs a little for my feet to rest against them, hastening the warming process.

"Not trying to argue with that," he teased tiredly, attempting to appear relaxed despite the situation. "And it's not so bad, sharing a sleeping bag with you."

He looked down at me, eyes glimmering in the darkness, and moved his other hand to gently brush away a strand of hair from my face. The gesture made me flinch slightly, and left me profoundly unsure of how to react.

"Even though you were right," he added cryptically.

I looked at him intently, eyes opened as much as fatigue let me to, wondering what he was talking about. "About what?" I eventually inquired with a pounding heart.

His eyes narrowed and his cheekbone showed again as he observed my confused expression.

"That you snore. I'm surprised the enemy still haven't located us because of it."

I opened my mouth to retort, but nothing came out. Instead, I just instinctively punched his shoulder to express some form of protest.

"That is not nice" I finally chided while a small smile refused to leave my face.

He chuckled at my reaction before adding "You should be at least thankful I'm not bothered by it."

I rolled my eyes before turning around, presenting my back to him as I settled myself to sleep. "Thanks, happy now? We should get some rest now; we earned it" I responded, still feigning ignorance of everything that happened between us, adopting the most innocent demeanor possible. Perhaps I felt a bit too relieved to have regained some complicity back with him to get myself entangled in a teasing battle that might end up with my lips on his cheek again.

A slight tension lingered, but there was also an unspoken understanding that certain things were better left unexplored—for now.

 

König sighed and got on his back, attempting to find comfort on his side—yet, I'm fully aware that I'll likely find myself in his arms again when morning comes.

Chapter Text

"Better?" König asked with a silent voice as I discarded the excess layers of clothes I had on. I nodded silently and rested my head back on König's chest.

Earlier, when I came back from cleaning myself at a nearby river, I was so cold my lips got blue and my teeth were chattering. König instinctively buried me inside some of his spare clothes, transforming me into somewhat of a clothed burrito. Even though I would have liked to keep them all night as they held his natural scent, having the real thing beside me was more than enough for now.

The weather was so clear we could abandon ourselves to some stargazing, so that's exactly what we did. König even took the initiative to turn his sleeping bag around so only our heads would poke outside the tent. It was our last night here after all and, since the mission went well, a little break was more than welcomed.

While one of his arms was under his head to rest on it comfortably, König's other hand was placed on my shoulder, keeping me close to him. From any outside perspective, we would be seen as a normal couple doing some camping. The thought crossed me for a second, but I quickly shoo it away. Paradoxically, I was relieved to finally go back to the modern world and its comforts; but I also felt kind of sad to lose my only excuse to sleep with König in the process.

As I watched the sky through the parted leaves, I could hear König's heartbeat beneath me. It was a sound that could have almost become a lullaby if it wasn't so… rapid. So I glanced up at him and saw his eyes staring at me instead of the stars. He swiftly shifted his gaze away, but it was too late; I caught him in the act—Again.

"You like what you see?" I teased, obviously not talking about the sky nor the constellations within it.

"Hmm…" he nodded, avoiding the question all together, his eyes now seemingly glued to the void above us. I smirked and turned to face him, my forearm now resting on his torso as I placed my head on top of it.

"Don't even try to get your way out of this, it's not the first time I caught you staring," I insisted. "Or, maybe it's been so long since you had a girl in your bed you don't know what it looks like anymore?" I chaffed with a devilish grin.

He finally made eye contact, his icy glare piercing, his voice stern. "I wasn't staring" he only defended, quite poorly in my opinion.

It's not like I was lying though. We haven't stopped beating around the bush these past few days, never quoting us sleeping tight together every night—even less mentioning the kiss I gave him on a whim after one hug under the moon. It's been a short while since our relationship was way past the point of mere coworkers of course, but a few days alone, secluded in the far nature, only having each other to keep us company… I didn't know what to think of it anymore.

His gestures might be seen as a fond way to look out for me, just as any of mine could be brushed off as harmless teasing. Nevertheless, I'd be in complete denial if I don't acknowledge that there's something more to it—on my part, at the very least.

Fortunately, the fact that it was our last night here must have been enough to push me to finally break this taboo we somehow settled on, as I had nothing left to lose. Yet, my palms grew sweaty while I could only think about how I should bring the subject without giving too much out too quickly.

"Does that mean I also hallucinated us sleeping together every night?" I finally insinuated.

But König remained walled in silence, maybe fearing that anything at this point would reveal him more than he already did.

"Or, maybe you'd sleep with any of your teammates?" I cornered him with an assessing look, my finger grazing on his torso only adding insult to injury.

"Stop being a brat and get back looking at the sky while I'm letting you" he almost commanded as he squeezed my waist, urging me to return to my previous position instead of bringing us into dangerous territory.

"You're not denying," I chuckled, loving the resistance he was showing while his eyes did a poor job at hiding what was going on inside that little masked head of his. How could I not play with fire when he's reacting like that?

He let out a loud exhalation, seemingly annoyed—no, more… embarrassed?

"Do you ever let go?" he finally grumbled under his breath, giving up on trying to find better excuses.

A rush of heat came to me when I saw him clearly flustered. A lot of things clashed in me, but the temptation, the thrill made my skin tickle and pressured me to push again. Even if being kicked from his sleeping bag was more than a likely possibility, it was a risk I was more than willing to take.

"Make me" I taunted after a brief silence, goosebumps taking over my entire epidermis as the words escaped my lips. His gaze snapped directly to my face; I held a smile that was faking innocence, but my eyes betrayed me as my true intentions.

After seconds of silence that felt like an eternity—and without any warning, König suddenly turned us around, reversing our position to pin me onto the sleeping bag, caging me completely under him. He looked at me in his grasp for a moment while I bit my lower lips in anticipation.

"Don't go on that route, you won't be able to handle me," he warned, or, more accurately: almost threatened.

At first, I couldn't decide if he meant what he said or if he was just trying another approach to shut my mouth. Yet, his eyes betrayed him too: his pupils were dilated, full of envy, devouring me with his gaze only. The way he was looking at me would have made me fall to my knees if I wasn't already laying under him. It wasn't something I could describe, it wasn't as simple as desire or lust. It was as if he was able to pierce right through me, through my shell, through my heart—and whatever he was seeing was causing me to melt from every little cell.

"You mean, like I handled you back on that training mat?" I managed to taunt back, my gaze still ensnared in his as I placed my fingers back on his chest, feeling so innocent yet so mischievous. His heart was beating fast, just like mine. At this point, my mind was completely fogged by König, by his scent, his stare, his presence—no reason could reach my short-circuited brain now.

We both fell into a tense silence, staring at each other like untamed, hungry creatures ready to jump at each other's throats. It was painfully obvious how he was trying to control himself, to refrain his urges to go further. Despite the freezing air of the night, our bodies were so close it came with an almost scorching sensation. The adrenaline was pumping and, at that moment, the line between camaraderie and something more blurred and completely merged together. It was unexpected, unknown, forbidden; and yet, no objections were raised...

"Don't say I didn't warn ya" he finally groaned, leaving me no room to respond as he swiftly opened and pulled the sleeping bag back inside the tent in one swift movement. The sudden and aggressive motion made me squeal, my heart almost bursting out of my chest in surprise.

His torso was forced against my face as he pushed himself against me, and I heard another quick zipper sound before I felt his weight getting off of me precipitately. When I opened my eyes again, I saw nothing: the tent was now immersed in pitch darkness, the entrance now closed.

"You don't want me to see you naked?" I giggled.

With my eyes now useless, I tried focusing on the sounds: there was some kind of ruffling of fabric before I felt a warm mass going on top of me again.

"I'm going to fuck you numb if you don't shut up" he groaned.

I almost choked on air with surprise. König's boldness twisted my insides while the realization of what was happening slowly started to sink in.

"Like it wasn't your plan from the beginning…" I chuckled before I placed my small hands back on him, feeling the burning heat of his skin as my fingers grazed along his now bare arms.

His head got in the crook of my neck, planting hungry kisses as playful bites here and there. A sigh escaped me and my hands continued to travel on their own, wrapping around his neck, my fingers interlocking with the softness of his hair...

Wait a minute—his hair?

My eyes opened instantly (even though I was still not able to see a thing) and my hands immediately moved around to confirm the unreal sensation. His mask—it was effectively gone!

A surprised moan surged from my throat as I suddenly felt König's big hand grabbing my breast over my shirt. It then traveled to the hem of it, slipped under and repeated the same motion, effectively turning me on even more.

His hands then leisurely traveled to my thighs, all the while followed by his mouth which left sloppy kisses all the way down. He squeezed the covered flesh of my hip before grabbing my sweatpants and removing them in the bat of an eye, taking my underwear with it at the same time.

His calloused palms went back on me as they caressed my naked legs slowly; feeling a shiver when his thumb brushed my inner thigh, effortlessly guiding them to open. I was so helpless under his touch, only able to exhale heavily as he subtly avoided my soaked cunt, his finger grazing near while he kissed me all around but there.

I couldn't help the whimper that escaped my lips when I finally felt one of his fingers enter me, being in the total darkness leading every sensation to a paroxysm. His thumb drew circles on my clit before his mouth took over, his fingers not stopping their motion in and out of me.

My digits intertwined with his hair—being able to touch it only amplified the exhilaration I underwent. All the smug, witty, petty side of me was drained out as König's tongue worshiped my pussy like it never was before.

My walls clamped on König's fingers as I felt my climax building already, but he pulled away right before I could, thus making me whine again.

"Don't worry, I'm not leaving you like this mein Schatz" he scoffed in between heavy breaths.

Everything felt surreal, as if it were yet another one of the too many hot dreams I had of him recently. I could only breathe heavily, full of envy, while heat was drooling out of me.

He eventually came back and settled himself effortlessly in between my legs, almost like this place had been carved for him. When his dick made contact with my wet folds, I felt a shiver of anticipation running once again. While his tip played with my entrance, his low, guttural voice surged from the darkness in an irresistible, sensual whisper.

"Tell me right away if it hurts…"

I nodded and my hips inclined on their own, urging him to finally claim me for god's sake. He lined himself up and went in, and all the while my eyes were glued towards my lower belly like they could witness every inch of hard cock burying into me.

He stretched me ever so slowly, bringing deep moans from us as he continued his slow route. I never felt so wet in my life and that's probably what's saving me right now: I always assumed he was big, especially when I felt it poke me the first time he hugged me from behind; but now my dirty thoughts were tangibly brought into reality, and it was in the best way possible.

He bent over me, trapping me under him as his length claimed the last inches available. His hand cupped my cheek and his thumb softly brushed against my lips, making me look right above me, where König's face was, even though I was still only greeted by pure darkness.

"You ok, Schatz?" he muttered, and his cock twitched inside me, eager to move, yet refraining itself to check on me beforehand.

"Couldn't be better…" I tried to reassure, though it came out as an awkward in-between of a whisper and a moan.

I felt his hot breath on my chin as he moved slowly at first, letting my body adapt to him. When another moan escaped me, his mouth suddenly crashed onto mine. His kiss was passionate, rough, almost desperate while my taste was still lingering on his tongue.

As he quickened the pace, I wrapped my arms around his neck, moaning into the kiss until our lips separated. König attacked my neck with hungry, possessive kisses that would surely result in hickeys—that fact alone arousing me even more.

After a moment of pure bliss, he softly lifted himself away and placed his hands on my knees to spread them again.

"Touch yourself" he commanded, and I more than happily executed.

I was already so over the edge that my climax came right after. It snapped, and my walls clamped him as he kept his quick pace, milking my pleasure to its most before all my muscles finally relaxed.

"Good girl…" he praised with a deep, alluring voice before brushing and squeezing the flesh of my thighs. "...But do not think I'm finished with you, Liebes."

He suddenly pulled himself out and turned my body around in the blink of an eye. I let out a gasp of surprise as I was now resting on my stomach, his big hand already lifting my hips for him.

"You wanted to see stars?" he asked in a low, guttural growl, even though his tone indicated he wasn't expecting any answer. He bent over me again, his hard cock sliding over my ass comfortably while his hand got to the entrance of the tent to open it.

"I'll make you see stars" he promised, and his dick rammed into me from behind, making my head peek outside with a strangled moan.

He moved much quicker than before, taking me so eagerly it made my eyes roll back. Every noise that left me were more than enough to indicate how much pleasure he was making me feel as he was fucking me numb, just like he promised to do mere minutes ago.

His pace lessened after a moment, going more slow and strategic again. His warm hands slipped to my sides, making every hair on my back stand on end. He continued to glide down on me, his head finally settling itself on my shoulder while his hips continued their sweet, sweet rhythm. His hair tickled my cheeks, causing my eyes to shift in an attempt to catch a glimpse of him. The dim light of the night only helped me discern some of his fluffy yet straight locks in the corner of my peripheral view; and it felt so new, so rare, so forbidden it made my walls clench again, which earned me a deep growl as well as a hard thrust.

"Fuck—you're so perfect, Schatz…" he groused in my neck as he quickened his pace again, and I couldn't keep my stance anymore: my head fell down on its own and buried itself into the sleeping bag, causing my back to arch, earning yet another grunt of pleasure from him. He returned standing fully on his knees to fuck me mad and I had no more control over my voice, having the sleeping bag muffling my moans being the perfect excuse to let go anyway.

Skin clashing sounds as some German gibberish were filling the tent while König rammed in me like a sledgehammer, hitting that perfect spot non stop, going so fast it made my insides bubble again. His movement became frantic, and he let out deep groans as he gave me some last, strong thrusts, releasing himself inside of me while maintaining my hips in place with that iron fist of his, nails almost digging in my flesh.

His body then fell on mine again, his forehead meeting with my shoulder blade, resting a bit there while we both caught our breaths back. One of his hands then softly tugged away some of my hair to plant sloppy kisses on my neck, letting his lips get closer and closer to my ear in between them.

"Don't worry, I've put on a condom," he whispered before planting another peck behind my ear.

Even if endorphins were submerging my mushy brain, I couldn't help my surprise.

"Huh..? But, how—when..?" I tried to formulate, my voice mostly muffled by the thick fabric of the sleeping bag around me.

"Shh… Don't, or I'll start again..." he taunted in a low, sensual whisper.

A weak smile grew on my face as I opened my mouth to talk back, not a care in the world if it meant I wouldn't be able to walk tomorrow.

"Why does it sound more like an invitation than a threat, then...?" I managed to inquire, though I think I already know the answer.

"Maybe 'cause it is…" he mumbled in between more light kisses on my ear, then my neck, now back on my shoulder, "...only if you want to, of course."

I purred from his sweet attention and stretched my arms a little, also trying to settle my head so the thick layers of his rumpled sleeping bag wouldn't suffocate me.

"Again…" I mouthed, feeling the pure ecstasy flowing in my veins dimming off and slowly being replaced by a relaxing, cozy, mushy sensation.

"Hmm?" König softly inquired, stopping himself in the middle of yet another noisy kissing session.

"I want more, please…" I coaxed, my blunt request immediately bringing another heat wave up to my tingling cheeks.

"Your desires are my orders, princess," he chuckled lightly as he lifted himself from my back, a smile evident in his raspy voice.

He closed the tent while resting his weight on one arm only, his movement forward making me feel how rigid he still was inside of me. Back into pure darkness, I listened as he retreated further in the tent to fumble with some things, the small plasticky sounds hinting he was switching condoms for round two—at least the precision of his organization proved to be useful even in the dark I thought to myself, keeping my comments for a more appropriate moment. I stayed immobile in my blissful numbness, feeling blessed König was conscientious for two; this must be the first time I come across a man who takes this initiative without ever having to ask for it…

And speaking of the devil, I sensed as he approached again, his hand searching for me before it found my calf. It continued its way up my thighs and eventually grabbed one of my ass cheeks while his teeth sank into the other.

"Hey!" I feigned as I slowly slipped onto my back with the urge to face him again, to kiss him, to feel his muscular body against mine…

"Sorry, I just can't resist a süßes little thing like you anymore…" he admitted before planting lascivious kisses on my stomach, his warm hands indulging my thighs with sensuous caresses before guiding them towards my abdomen.

He then rubbed his hard cock against my folds, imbuing it with my wetness, and he slowly penetrated me again. König leaned down while pushing his length all the way in, enclosing me with his strong arms before his hips would start a measured back-and-forth rhythm. My hand quickly found one of his robust biceps and wrapped around it, bringing my head towards it as I clung to him. König emitted a low growl of satisfaction, and his other hand got closer to caress and massage my scalp from time to time, bringing so much tenderness and proximity in such simple gestures that my walls wouldn't stop tensing around him.

"Gosh—you're taking me so well…" he exhaled thickly before his lips found my neck, then my jaw, before attacking my mouth with a slow, languorous kiss.

My arms and legs naturally wrapped around him, and he seemingly loved it as I could feel his lips curling upward through the kiss. I gave him total control over my body as he just knew where to trust in me, where to lick on my neck, where to nibble on my ear—as if he already knew how to claim me whole. When I'd give him lewd moans, he would return eager praises in the shell of my ear. Eventually, his movement became feverish when I came on him for the second time, my walls pulsing around his length again and again. His head sank in the crook of my neck as I felt beads of sweat rolling off my chest, my fingers already tangling back with his hair while his poundings made us move as a single entity.

"König…" I whimpered with a trembling voice as my climax reached its peak, making my toes curl above me.

"Say it again" he growled while his shaft clashed relentlessly against my soaked cunt.

"König..!" I cried louder, his thrusts making my pleasure ascend territories I didn't know existed. He moaned as he released himself in me again, and we stayed in our tight embrace as we struggled for air again.

The next moments were quite blurry as I was hit with a wave of exhaustion stronger than the last one, but I think König managed to somehow roughly dress us back before opening the tent again. The cold breeze skimming over my hot skin made my eyes open, and I saw as he fell next to me like a rock. To my disappointment, he had his mask back on his face, but he at least remained shirtless for my greatest pleasure.

"Now, let's just… rest for a bit…" he heaved, and he yanked me back against his torso in the gentlest way possible. I could hear how his heart was still beating fast, a funny reminder of what brought us this scrumptious denouement.

"Told you I could handle you…" I sleepily teased as I placed my hand back on his chest, getting all comfortable in his embrace while a smile stretched my lips from ear to ear.

 

He didn't even insist and just closed his arms around me, relishing in the display of affection we shared while I was letting tomorrow-me deal with the aftermath of such a turn of events.

Chapter Text

König and I were finally back on base after our eventful camping mission. He accompanied me to the gym and, fortunately enough, it was completely empty as we were pretty late in the afternoon, providing a peaceful environment for some much-needed physical activity. Working out now wasn't an obligation but more of a necessity: my mind could be summarized as a hectic mess since this morning, and it needed to be addressed somehow.

König, ever attentive, brushed my back gently, like he wasn't willing to separate from me—despite having his own debrief to attend to, so it felt a bit odd considering his diligent nature.

"I'll try to get this done quickly. You'd wait for me, Schatz?" he inquired with a calm voice, his body remaining close to mine. I shook my head in agreement while my cheeks warmed involuntarily from our proximity.

"Sure, now go or you'll be late!" I encouraged him with a chuckle when I sensed his hand lingering on the small of my back. Each touch of his seemed to melt my heart a bit further into a mess of puddling emotions, one impossible to suppress.

"Alright then" he replied in a half smiling voice, his hand holding on for a moment longer before reluctantly breaking the contact.

"Take it easy here, try not to overwork yourself at least," he smirked, the double entendre not lost on me, causing me to cough in surprise. I refrained from offering a response, knowing my words would likely stumble over each other at this point.

As he moved a few steps away, he paused to glance back at me. I raised an eyebrow in question and it prompted him to share one last playful remark.

"Looking forward to some alone time with you again, Schätzchen" he flirted, turning my cheeks an even deeper shade of red. With a chuckle, he waved and disappeared from my sight, leaving me to contemplate the lingering warmth on my back as if his hand was still there.

That sneaky bastard! I hurried myself to dove into my warm-up routine, urgently wanting to shut down the fire he ignited in my stomach. Well, that was my plan until I got a quick reality check as every squat was excruciating to do. Oh, and I'm not going to talk about the 1-hour long walk I had to endure to get to our vehicle, I had enough vivid reminders of yesterday's intercourses already.

—He really went all in last night, gosh…

Despite the physical discomfort, I pressed on with my workout, determined not to reminisce about what happened, refusing to entertain thoughts about what it could mean. It was a bit of self-defense in a way. Past relationships had left me scarred, being the final piece to the barricade I've set around my heart. Well, not like naivety and candor are compatible with this field of work anyway.

Then comes König, who embodies everything I knew about men, yet remains uniquely different. Blunt, cold, occasionally a jerk—but also surprisingly reliable, patient, cheeky at times, and, overall, always so unexpectedly affectionate with me anyway.

Alongside, my shell too started to crumble—

—Fuck I hate doing burpees…

But I don't know if I'm ready for what's on the other side. I can't shake off the fear—the fear of vulnerability, of getting hurt again I guess. On the other hand, a part of me yearns for more of his warmth, of his touch, of the way he looked at me, of the raw passion we shared—it was etched into my memory at this point.

However, we still haven't voiced anything about what happened. When we woke up this morning, yeah maybe we cuddled a bit… But since we packed back the tent—this time completely supervised by König—we got to the meeting point as if nothing ever happened.

Although, I could swear there's a new form of… tenderness in Konig's gestures now. Even when I'm trying to dismiss it all to a slip up, a release of tension without deeper implications—my mind just keeps drifting back to every little detail, almost playing detective in trying to pinpoint a definitive answer on its own.

—Urgh, stop overthinking it now!

But last night really set something in motion. Whether I was ready to confront it or not, consequences will soon unfold anyway. Not that I harbor any regret, but I couldn't help wondering what was going to happen now.

We're still colleagues, friends—but now perhaps f*ck buddies? What if it jeopardizes our friendship, our working dynamic?

—Ah…

Despite my desire to lose myself to some raw effort, my brain seems really determined to do as it pleases.

After completing several sets of my usual workout, I decided to cap off the session with a three-miles run on the treadmill. I sprinted furiously, as if engaged in fartlek training, craving for a numbness that might at least momentarily silence my unstoppable train of thoughts.

I collapsed onto a gym bench as I was now exhausted, breathless, but above all drenched in sweat. Glancing at the clock, I recognized that König would be back shortly, so taking a shower here seemed to be the most efficient path of action. While I've always preferred the individual cubicles in our barracks' shower block, the prospect of having the big locker's showers all to myself felt rather tempting.

When I was about to get up, the creak of the front door hinges broke the silence and my eyes instinctively shifted to the entrance, a smile already forming on my lips. However, it faded as fast as it came when König's unmistakable figure failed to materialize at the door.

It was only Kevin, barging into the gym and disturbing my peace as he always do. When he saw me he seemed surprised at first, and I had to admit I too was for a second after weeks of avoiding any encounters, ever since I threatened his testicles' well-being to be exact.

He quickly looked around and, as he found no one else, approached me with a smirk. I sighed, anticipating the headache that would likely come from this unsolicited entrevue.

"Fuck off, I don't have the energy to deal with you," I hissed between two breaths.

"Your bulldog isn't around I see?" Kevin chuckled as he ignored my complaint.

"What do you mean?" I inquired, annoyance evident in my tone  as my eyes darted back to his.

"You know what I meant," he answered with archness, "your masked boyfriend, König" he insisted with a mischievous grin.

I bursted into a dry laugh. Kevin's preoccupation with everyone's marital situation was a tiresome fact of life at this point. I wondered why I was even surprised.

"He is not my boyfriend, and you should leave me alone if you don't want to become my real life training target," I clarified as I stood up and made my way toward the women's locker room, seeking refuge from Kevin's nonsense. Yet, his voice echoed behind me, unable (or unwilling) to let me live in peace.

"Oh, don't play innocent with me, I know he's fucking you!" he shouted, "And I'm sure you're only here 'cause all you can do is spread those legs!"

I stood frozen for a moment before slowly turning to face him. Surprisingly, I managed to keep my composure, perhaps due to sheer exhaustion. Even if the idea of my hands closing around his throat seemed almost appealing, fatigue was winning over me. Engaging in a fight in my current state would be a battle lost in advance anyway. Instead, I chose to respond, to stoop to his level with a calculated intent.

"You know what?" I began, my voice steady and measured, "You're right."

I was going for it now, no hesitation perceivable in my words as they poured out of my lips.

"Konig's fucking me, and he's fucking me real good baby; at a level an incel shit like you can't even imagine." I showed him my middle finger as I continued, "See this? It's the only thing you'll get from me—so shove it in your ass and don't ever dare speak to me again, I've had ENOUGH of your bullshit!"

The gym fell silent again as the echoes of my yelling weakened around us. Kevin stood there speechless, shocked into silence, so stunned with my reaction he was failing to formulate a response.

My eyebrows shot upwards as I let out a contemptuous scoff. I finally entered the changing room, leaving Kevin to his miserable state. I unlocked my locker as if everything was normal, brushing off the encounter quickly by focusing on more important matters.

As I prepared for my shower—grabbing shampoo, body wash, and fresh clothes—I caught sight of the clean pair of underwear I brought with me: a black ensemble with a bit of lace on the sides. I questioned why I even chose them since they're the least comfortable of my other options. But they're the one I'm the most confident in, that's for sure…

Fuck, even my habits are infected by König now?! I can be such a desperate case sometimes…

The silence was deafening as I stood motionless in front of my open locker, eyes glued on the delicate fabric. Rushed footsteps from outside snapped me out of it and made me look over my shoulder, right before the door burst open with a crashing sound.

At first, I could only make out a silhouette standing at the entrance; but it was unmistakably our beloved Kevin, yet again, with a look of pure rage plastered on his face.

 

Well, guess someone won't be walking out alive from this room now.

Chapter 18

Notes:

TW: Sexual Harassment

Chapter Text

Kevin started approaching, and the door closed in a loud thud behind him. I had to take a second to register the intrusion. Once the shock had passed, only anger remained.

"What the fuck Kevin?! Get out!" I shouted in disbelief.

"So I was right, huh? You're with him?" he asked plainly, ignoring my order as he continued to walk toward me, gaze empty, limbs vacant. He seemed almost hurt—even his usual smugness was absent from his face.

I felt a rush of cold air licking my back, quickly followed by an overall eerie sensation.

"Kevin, this is absolutely not the place to have this conversation, leave!" I ordered again.

He scoffed and moved closer, looking almost like a predator closing in on its prey. He was visibly shaking, his nostrils were flaring up and his eyes… They were fixed on me with a stare so full of hate and disgust it was almost frightening.

I've never seen him so furious before; he always looked dumb, cocky or arrogant, but that… That was totally new.

"What does he have that I don't? You can't even see his face for fuck sake!" he snarled while his fists clenched to the point his knuckles paled under the strain, and so every muscle in my body tensed.

Ooh, I'm not liking this, not one bit. He was clearly in a dark state of mind, the anger he was emitting was so intense you could almost touch it.

As he was in between me and my only way out, my brain panicked with different scenarios while fight or flight reflexes were kicking hard. But even I know my limits, so I settled for safety over trying to talk or fight my way out of it: I pivoted and dashed toward the showers as I knew its door had a lock.

Yet, unsurprisingly, my exhausted self couldn't compete against a fit, young man full of resolve. He rushed and grabbed my wrist almost immediately, his grip so strong it hurt on the spot. Despite my efforts to struggle, his height and stature made him the indisputably stronger one of us.

"Let me go!" I shouted in a reflex.

"Answer me" he hissed, his voice dangerously calm, his jaw tensing up with each syllable. The grip he had on my wrist tightened again, to the point it became painful. In a desperate attempt to free myself, I grabbed his collar with my free hand and tried to unbalance him with a foot sweep, but he instinctively blocked my legs in between his thighs as he pushed me against the wall of lockers.

Shit—after all the training bouts we had, of course the bastard knew my every move by heart now!

I managed to maintain my face blank, bearing no expression, although an underlying concern quietly infiltrated my thoughts. I always saw Kevin as a harmless incompetent—but now, I wasn't so sure of that fact anymore.

"Do you realize what you're doing is beyond inappropriate?!" I yelled, forcing my head up to look him in the eyes.

He scoffed, almost refraining a laugh when he spoke again. "You talking about inappropriateness while fucking a superior is what's beyond me!"

It left me baffled for a moment—I believe it's the first time I heard something relevant coming out of Kevin's mouth. But fuck—there's not a world where I'm reasoning him; I tried to come up with some ideas, but none of them wouldn't end up with him madder than he already was.

Well, he leaves me no choice. Kevin chose violence?
So be it.

As I looked at him furiously, Kevin shot back the daggers I was sending him. So, I suddenly shifted my gaze to the back wall and bore a surprised expression, as if something, or rather someone, had appeared behind him. He slightly lessened his tight hold as a confused look claimed his face and, slowly, he turned his head to see what could have possibly caught my attention. Well, guess he's still an idiot after all.

"What? What is i—?"

I didn't let him finish his sentence as I granted a wish I had since a long, looong time ago: with my free hand still grabbing his shirt, I forced him down while I shoved my knee in his crotch. I kicked him with all the force I could muster, right where I knew he would suffer long enough for me to get away.

The strike knocked the breath out of him and he folded over himself, grasping his genitals like his life depended on it. Within the few seconds he took to process what just happened, his look of surprise turned into one of pure agony.

I couldn't help but to let out a deep sigh as Kevin crumbled in pain on the floor, grunting so loud it reverberated onto the tiles of the room. And to think that I could easily beat the shit out of him now, if only I wasn't already at my limits… But, given the circumstances, the prize of leaving him like this was enough. For now.

I at least delivered one last, strong foot kick to his side before I left him there, going around his body as if it was mere garbage strewn on the floor. I hurried back to my open locker and gathered my belongings as fast as possible, shoving them in my bag before slapping the thin metal door shut.

I quickly made my way out of the room, but not without earning some of Kevin's flowery language which echoed behind me like a bitter aftertaste.

When I harshly opened the door to get out, I crashed into something huge and stiff right at the doorstep. Being pushed back inside by the strong collision, the thing grabbed and pulled me against it swiftly. As I lifted my gaze up, that's when I understood I had run into König just before he was about to enter, probably alerted by all the commotion. His eyes were wide open as he tried to comprehend what was going on.

Since my hand was holding my bag strap over my shoulder, he grabbed it as soon as he saw the red marks coloring my wrist. And, as Kevin's swearing could still be heard in the background, König frowned, putting 2 and 2 together almost immediately.

He softly shoved me toward the gym before entering the room himself. He was greeted by the sight of Kevin on the floor, hands desperately holding his balls while cursing his lungs out.

"You stupid bitch! When I catch you, I'll make you pay!" Kevin cried out loud, face resting on the ground, not able to see what was coming for him.

The door closed on itself again, rendering me blind of the scene that unfolded there; although the loud punch noise, followed by grunts of pain, then swears (or threats?) in German, and then another punch, gave a clear enough hint of what happened. No other sounds came from the locker room before the door opened again on König.

He softly took my wrist and inspected the marks again, not saying a word for a moment. I twitched my fingers unintentionally, itching to leave this place, and it made him finally react.

"Come with me, let's get out of here" he said in a neutral voice as he kept my hand in his. I followed him without any resistance, feeling so much relief I didn't even bother to argue.

I got entangled in a web of thoughts as I let König drag me around, graphic thoughts about how I could definitely rip Kevin of his manhood—after all, no kid on earth deserves a dork like him as a father, it would be providing a service to the community at this point. When I paid attention back to our surroundings I almost didn't recognize the walls of our barracks. Something was off, the doors weren't on the right side of the corridor…

Oh. That's because we're in the superiors' quarters.

Once in front of König's room, he placed his hand onto the small of my back and guided me inside, and I went in without any objection. After closing the door, he took my hands in his again and inspected the marks, eyes roaming for any other signs of injury.

"Are you hurt… elsewhere?" he asked under his breath.

"I'm alright, it's nothing, really," I answered confidently, eyelids fluttering as I attempted to meet his gaze within the dimly lit room. Although, trying to appear unfazed seemed useless since my hands were trembling a bit, the rush of adrenaline still not quite completely out of my system yet. Without uttering a word, his arms gently wrapped around my body to draw me into a tight hug. The lingering scent of the forest was clung to his uniform; it invaded my nostrils, dissolving worries and anxieties clean while a feeling of immense solace washed away my troubles.

I wrapped my arms around him like it was the most natural thing to do, and I allowed all the exhaustion of the day to slowly drift back to me, relaxing my limbs completely, leaning into him as if we could just melt together. He took a deep breath and one of his hands went resting on top of my head, locking it against his broad, warm chest.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have left you alone…" he apologized, remorse lacing his tone.

"Hey, I can handle myself, you saw it yourself," I reassured, my voice completely muffled as I stayed all snuggled up against him.

He hummed before pulling away slightly. His gaze finally locked with mine as he lowered his head at my level, grabbing my cheeks with hands to keep my chin up to him.

"I'll go take care of his case, and you stay here while I'm gone, ok? I'd be more at ease if you took your shower here rather than in the common ones."

I nodded and my lips slowly curled upward. He roughly brushed the top of my head before guiding me to his personal bathroom—as being one of the higher-ups had its advantages, to he quickly retrieved some towels from the undersink cabinet.

"You sure you don't want to take a shower with me?" I coaxed as I looked around, trying to grasp every little detail of the small room. It was clean, spotless, no clutter protruding that could have given me hints about König's dirty little secrets. The only odd thing here was his imposing body compared to the cramped space—and yet he moved around smoothly, not bumping into anything as he made his way back to me.

"You know I'd want to, but we'll keep that for another time" he dismissed as he gave me the clean towels.

"So there will be other times?" I quizzed with an arched eyebrow and a playful smirk, heart racing already.

He only rolled his eyes as a response before the back of his fingers hovered over my cheek, almost grazing my skin. I caught a glimpse of his reddened knuckles, a silent testament of the recent confrontation.

"Why do you ask when you already know the answer, Schatz?" he almost whispered right next to my ear, his hand lingering as he gently rearranged a wild strand of my hair.

And with that, he left me alone. In his room.

The desire to snoop around was there, but the need for a shower was too and far greater. When I took a step further inside, I saw my reflection in the mirror and noticed the disheveled state of my hair, the rosy hue on my cheeks, and the overall sweaty aftermath of my training session. A sudden wave of embarrassment washed over me. König seeing me in this less-than-flattering condition made me squirm with self-consciousness, and I hurried myself under the soothing spray of the shower head.

As water trickled down my spine, I took a moment to inspect my wrist and the marks on it. The more I looked at them, the more uneasiness took over me. I can't help but wonder—what would have happened if I hadn't been able to neutralize Kevin by myself? Well, König was right around the corner—but what if he wasn't? Would Kevin have gone… further?

I recall details about the assault I suffered back when I was in the police; how nobody was around to hear my struggles; how the gripping bruises on my body didn't leave me for days; how no one tried to defend me when it all resulted in my dismissal…

No, now is different. König is here, by my side and he supports me. I'm even guessing that's why he was so adamant to take care of Kevin right away, so this bastard wouldn't distort what happened.

After my shower, I threw on only the comfy clothes I could find within my bag. I didn't even bother with the lacy bra—it's not like I'm in a mood to support uncomfortable lingerie anyway.

I sat on König's bed's edge, letting my gaze roam around his room as I was nervously twisting some of my humid hair strands in between my fingers. The place itself felt like a glimpse into König's world, a space that reflected his pragmatic and uncomplicated nature. Like his bathroom, it was clean and nothing felt out of place. It wasn't bare, just… simple. No pictures or decorations. Just what he needed on a day to day basis. The room held an air of comfort, a sanctuary that felt strangely intimate even in König's absence.

As I continued my exploration, my gaze landed on a duffle bag on the floor which was a bit overfilled with what seems to be only his laundry. I wondered what insights into his life I might find within the dresser behind it, but it's not like I was going to invade his privacy just to feed some misplaced curiosity.

So I switched my gaze to the desk beside his bed. My eyes traced the orderly chaos on it and I couldn't help but smile at the familiarity of it all. Then some water drops fell on my shoulders, it sent a strong shiver right down into my spine, rudely interrupting my train of thoughts. But it also made my eyes land on a hoodie hanging on the desk chair.

I didn't ponder the matter more than it needed to: I got up, grabbed it and quickly threw it on. I settled into the oversized garment, relishing in the warmth it provided. A soft sigh escaped my nose as I sank onto the chair, the one now missing its sweatshirt, and my fingers traced over the fabric mindlessly. Its scent enveloped me, making my eyes close for a moment. I imagined his presence beside me while a warm, fuzzy feeling began to bubble in my chest.

I glanced around one last time, and my gaze finally stopped on his bed. It beckoned, inviting me to surrender at the weariness clinging to me.

The softness of the mattress felt like a cloud when my back fell on it. I turned and wrapped myself with my own arms, not even feeling hungry, frustrated, sad or anything, just… completely drained out.

 

As exhaustion weighed on my eyelids, I involuntarily allowed the scent of familiarity to lull me into a peaceful slumber.

Chapter Text

A nice warmth was completely surrounding me, paired with a familiar feeling, a familiar scent again…

I slowly awoken, a bit disoriented, eyelids fluttering as my pupils adapted to the dimly lit environment. I noticed some faint rays shining through the curtains and I finally recalled where I was: tucked under the sheets of König's bed, while still wearing his sweatshirt.

I felt a tickling sensation on my hand, so I averted my gaze up and saw König laying next to me, sideways, his hand on mine. His thumb was rubbing my palm softly as he looked at me waking up.

My eyes closed once more, reveling in the moment, praying for this to not be a dream. König's presence felt like a warm blanket while his breathing was calm and steady, just like every other time I woke up beside him during our camp mission.

I shifted closer to him so I could nuzzle myself against his chest, like it was the most natural thing to do. My heart fluttered while my mind got filled with a mushy happiness; for the first time in a while, I felt there was no need to fear or be careful. There was only a precious feeling of… peace.

Even if my mind was begging me to draw some distance, to above all never get enamored with a coworker—I felt a crying need to stay close, as if I needed to desperately cling on to the feeling before it could slip away.

Konig's arms slowly wrapped around me, gently pulling me closer as he hummed a sigh of deep satisfaction. His chest was soft, yet firm, its shape pleasing to my cheek while I felt the slight rise and fall of his breaths as they escaped his lungs. The sound of his heartbeat was slow and calm, its rhythm steady.

"Good morning Schatz..." he muttered near my ear, his voice groggy and raspy.

I slipped my legs in between his, wanting to be as close as possible. He flinched as he felt the coldness of my feet against his clothed limbs, and even though it was obviously a little unpleasant for him, he chose to ignore it.

"Morning…" I whispered back, smiling from ear to ear while my face was fully pressed against him.

He looked down with a small grin, eyeing my petite body in comparison to his. He held me even closer, and I enjoyed every second of it. He stayed still, his fingers now gently brushing my hair as he let out another soft hum of content.

There was something precious about this moment: the sound of his breathing, the way I was fitting so perfectly against his body, and his fingers gently massaging my scalp… Am I dead? Is this heaven I'm experiencing?

"Can I hold you like this forever?" he murmured softly with his still half-asleep voice.

"I wouldn't be against that" I chuckled, my words mostly muffled by König's muscles. I then tilted my head away to grasp a look at him, "But I don't think our superiors would be as compliant."

I could sense the slight smile that accompanied his reply as he looked back down at me.

"I'm going to hold you as long as I can then..." he promised before gently kissing my forehead through his mask. Yep. I'm dead, this is too good to be true.

After a short pause—one of pure bliss, all snuggled up against König; my mind couldn't help but wander back on last night's events. I wasn't willing to bring that up now, but I felt that, if I didn't, I wouldn't be able to fully enjoy this precious intimacy.

"About Kevin..." I started sheepishly, and König's body stiffened instantly. His tone changed to a more serious one, his words slow and steady as he broke the news.

"He has been dealt with, his case is closed. I can assure you he will not be a problem anymore," he declared before shifting on his back, bringing me with him as if my whole body was glued to his.

He hugged me slightly harder, locking his arms around to keep me in place. I smiled again and muttered a quiet "Thank you", and all my muscles relaxed as an immense relief washed over me entirely.

I let one of my hands venture to König's middle and the rhythm of his breathing changed a little as my fingers roamed their way, my fingertips gently grazing on his clothed side. There was no need to speak, I knew Konig was enjoying our reunion as much, if not slightly more, than I was.

My digits eventually found the hem of his t-shirt, lingering on the edge a bit before going under to feel the tone, warm muscles of his abdominal area. A soft chuckle escaped him as he let me do as I please, his flesh flinching and tensing slightly under my fingertips as I tickled him involuntarily.

He laid back a little more, completely relaxing himself while my hand slowly traced around his abs. His chest continued to rise and fall as he inhaled and exhaled, his breathing becoming raspy the more I caressed him.

I laid my palm flat on his belly, feeling the warmth of our skin blending together. Although hidden by the covers, I didn't need to see what was forming inside König's pants since I could almost feel it grazing my forearm by how my wrist was angled. I bit my lower lip as I slowly brought my hand down, toward what was needing to be addressed.

"Need some help?" I purred softly, already feeling some wetness build-up in between my legs. When my fingers almost reached the waistband of his joggers, he suddenly turned us around again to get us back on our side, towering me even in this position with his broad thorax.

"Aren't you an eager one, even in the morning…" he hissed back, his voice even raspier than before.

His hand got to my cheek and cradled it, gently shifting my head up so our eyes could meet. He had that gaze again, the same one from the other night when we were in his sleeping bag, in the middle of nowhere, and we…

His palm slowly grazed down, letting his thumb roll over my lips before going away completely, leaving me with a shiver and flushed cheeks. His digit continued to haunt me as they slowly slid down, skimming at my shoulder, my waist, and now my hips…

"Look at you, all shrouded up in my hoodie… I can't think of a better gift wrap to rip off of you," he flirted with a low voice. His fingers then slipped under my top and squeezed the bare flesh of my side, drawing a soft sigh out of me as our skins made contact. His calloused hand wandered all along my back, and I could swear I heard his lips stretched upward when he discovered I wasn't wearing a bra underneath my clothes.

While he continued to caress me, my hands got back on his abs and lowered dangerously a second time. I couldn't dare to break eye contact as I got to the cord of his sweatpant and started to pull it awfully slowly... But then, a quick knock at the door was heard before it suddenly opened.

We both flinched and froze instantly. Fortunately, König's body was completely concealing me from anyone standing at the door—at least while they weren't coming further inside.

"König, wake up. We're having an emergency meeting" a male voice said plainly, like it was something completely usual for him.

The grip König had on my hip tightened a bit, and he took a couple of seconds before answering.

"Wasn't the mission supposed to be in two days?" he asked in a growl, his harsh voice perfectly mimicking being suddenly woken up.

"Change of plan" the voice at the door answered. "We're starting in 20 minutes."

And with that, the man left as fast as he broke into König's personal space, most probably without a clue of what he had just interrupted. König let a frustrated sigh as he reluctantly got up, not really helped by my nails grazing on his skin when he moved away.

I looked at him through half closed eyelids as he undressed, at least getting as much of him while I still could. The dim light of the early morning didn't help much, but I managed nonetheless to admire his impressive frame and toned back muscles as he went into his bathroom while only wearing his boxers and balaclava.

After a quick shower and another back and forth in his room, he was effectively ready to leave. He took a last look around, checking if he was forgetting anything, before going straight to the edge of his bed. It was obvious he would have liked to stay longer, that he felt bad for leaving me so soon in the morning; it was printed all over his blue iris as he bent over me with a sorry expression.

"Stay and sleep some more, ja? Just lock the door when you leave," he gently offered as his gloved hand found my cheek, "I don't know when I'll be back on base, but I'll try my best to come back as soon as possible."

I simply nodded while my gaze was still locked with his. "Stay safe, alright?" I whispered softly, my hand getting on top of his as I spoke, grasping for any and every bit and pieces of him while he was still near.

His free hand got under his hood and tugged down the lower part of his balaclava so he could press a real kiss on my forehead. "Will do..." he whispered back, his lips brushing against my skin as he spoke. I closed my eyes while he paused there a bit, seemingly hesitating for a second before finally giving me a second soft kiss on my temple as a last gesture.

His hand stayed in contact with my face some few seconds more before parting away; his touch already being missed as he rose back to his feet and left his room.

 

Hmpf… Paradise are always short lived anyway…

Chapter Text

Snowflakes danced their way down from the night sky as I looked out the window. The mess hall buzzed with the background hum of music and conversations, but my thoughts inevitably gravitated toward König's status again. It's been a few days since he's been gone and, while it wasn't unusual for his solo mission to sometimes take about more than a week, the wait still seemed interminable.

Moreover, it's not like I could ask our command about his whereabouts: in addition to appearing suspicious, his missions are still confidential anyway. I tried to reason myself, that everything was fine since König is more than capable—but a little seed named after him had taken root and sprawled through every nook and cranny of my head. And while I know that sleeping with his hoodie every night might not be helping on that part, I haven't found any other remedy than his scent to calm my restlessness.

I got so lost in thoughts that I didn't hear the footsteps that approached me. It's when I felt someone sitting down beside me on the couch, quickly followed by a voice, that I snapped out of it.

“Hey rookie, you alright?”

I whipped my head toward the sudden intrusion and saw Kim 'Horangi' relaxedly sat next to me, covered with a face mask as usual, leaving only the top part of his head to his dark iris visible.

His unusual interest in me left me puzzled since Horangi is more König's friend than mine. Yeah we occasionally crossed paths, but since we're never set on the same missions we're not really that close.

So, in a nutshell: starting to unpack about what happened with Kevin, or worse—details about my love life, wasn't something I was down for.

"I'm alright, thanks" I replied, staying as neutral as possible. I made a small pause before adding, "and I'm not a rookie anymore."

Horangi only chuckled as he leaned on the back of the sofa, letting his arms fall on it, exposing the geometric tattoos covering his forearms. He turned his head toward the window and didn't say anything for a moment before speaking again.

"I can see you're not doing that well, I have eyes you know," he said more seriously.

He then looked around for any prying ears. Every other operator in the room were gathered around a beer pong game, cheering at Calisto as she was only landing clean throws, thus putting the opposite team in a bad position.

"I know about... Kevin" he continued, his voice quiet.

I stared at him for a moment with an arched eyebrow, perplexed and unsure of how I should respond.

When the news that Kevin got fired spreaded, he was so known to be problematic that no one really tried to find out exactly which straw broke the camel's back. After König's departure, I got called out by our superiors to explain my version of what happened, and they were kind enough to remain discreet about the matter. Or, at least I thought so?

"And what do you know, exactly?"

Horangi only took one second to reply.

"Kind of the whole story but without the details? I just happened to come across König when he was carrying Kevin's body around. To be honest, at first I even thought he murdered him," he explained with a chuckle. "He told me in broad terms what happened just so I wouldn't freak out."

I had to refrain my own laughter as I envisioned König transporting Kevin over his shoulder like the dead weight he was, feets dangling and everything.

"Serves him right" I sniggered, not really willing to disclose much more about the details he mentioned he was missing. After a brief moment of silence, Horangi spoke up again.

"Listen," he said slowly, his voice sounding concerned, thus making me glance back at him. "I won't tell you how to live or what you should do. But…"

He seemed hesitant with his wording for a few seconds before continuing. He closed his eyes, like he was already regretting his words even before having said them.

"König's really a good guy," Horangi finally declared. "And the way he acts with you sometimes, it's like he’s... attached to you. Way too much if you ask me," he added, his tone growing a bit harsher.

He looked at me directly in the eyes, his stare dead serious. "Just be careful with him, okay?"

I gawked at him, completely taken aback by the sudden warning. Here I was, wondering if what I was having with König had any substance, and yet Horangi was worried I was the one toying with his friend's heart?

However, I perceived his approach being more sincere than nosy. It even made me smile as I couldn't help myself but to almost feel hopeful. While I still wasn't envisioning myself describing my recent bonding with König to anyone, Horangi felt like the perfect third party to steal some intel about a giant friend we had in common nonetheless.

"Can I ask what makes you think he's 'attached' to me?" I said selflessly, as if not really invested in wanting to know the answer. But maybe I wasn't that good at hiding my real intentions, because Horangi's eyes narrowed as a smile probably formed on his lips. Or maybe he was just assessing if revealing more about his friend in his absence was a good idea.

"The fact that you're the only person he has let grow this close to him beside me is pretty self sufficient," he stated, his voice still serious but going softer the more he talked. "He cares for you, more than you think. It really shows from my perspective at least."

Horangi then got silent while he had my full attention: eyes opened, lips slightly parted, I was clearly waiting for anything he was going to expose next. But nothing came.

"What do you mean it shows?" I asked, frustrated, my curiosity now piqued.

"Well, the way he treats you," Horangi replied straightforwardly. "And he has this habit of looking at you... With that look. You know what I mean?" He chuckled. "I don't know how to describe it, but I've known him long enough to notice the difference."

I could only bore a long face as this wasn't the tea I was craving for.

"A look? That's really how you're basing your assumptions?" I complained before rolling my eyes away, refraining my head to fall into my hands in defeat.

Horangi only hummed a little, thinking about his words before speaking them, finally taking the hint about the sensitivity of the subject.

"Well, I'm not supposed to tell you this, but he asks me to check on you every time he has to go away on mission for example," he rebooted. "To care for someone when he's so closed up to others, that's huge coming from him, trust me."

"Yeah, but as a friend ultimately" I blurted out, still not convinced by Horangi's arguments.

I saw in his expression the irony he felt for having to convince me of König's feelings whereas he firstly wanted to check if I was serious about my own. He cleared his throat before answering, probably feeling like he was navigating a minefield as any assertion could blow up in his face if he wasn't careful with its wording.

"Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but I can see the effect you have on him. He has changed quite a bit since you're here, he's not as cold as before."

I bit my lower lips in an attempt to control my racing mind, even though I knew it was a battle lost in advance. Horangi says König has changed because of me, but the reality is that I too became softer since knowing him. Heck, I would have preferred dying over letting a man take so much of my head space before.

Thankfully, Horangi's voice snapped me out of my reverie before it would have gone too far again.

"I mean, even the name he uses with you is pretty revealing. I wouldn't call someone 'Yeobo' if I didn't mean it," he concluded while scratching the back of his head, as if he had to dig real deep to find anything that would convince me.

Even though I can't understand exactly what he said in what I guessed is Korean, I knew instantly what he was referring to. I didn't even bother to look back at him as what he "revealed" didn't expose anything new to me.

"You mean the way he calls me 'Schatz'? It just means 'cat', there's nothing to it" I dismissed, starting to feel depressed over the whole conversation. Staying in ignorance and desillusions might have been better after all…

Horangi chuckled, "Sure, sure. 'Cat'," he hinted sarcastically.

But, when he saw my confusion, his amused expression dropped. I almost saw a drop of sweat forming on his forehead as he took a deep breath.

"Erm… 'Schatz' is like… a cute word that means 'treasure', but also 'my dear'," Horangi explained softly. "Not a word for anyone, right?"

My heart fluttered quicker with each new piece of information as they fell down my ear. My eyes widened and I immediately felt torn between believing him or not. "You're kidding, right? Like what, you're fluent in German now?" I asked with an hesitant tone, almost feeling feverish over the potential meaning behind this revelation.

"Nope," he scoffed, "I've just looked it up online. And now, I know that you didn't."

My cheeks warmed on their own, ashamed that I may have gulped what König said without checking the facts afterwards. Still conflicted, I got caught in a whirlwind of emotions as I hastily reached for my phone, eager to see for myself the bottom line of this. I tapped the letters on the search engine, and the results came loud and clear.

Horangi wasn't bluffing.

Schatz didn't mean 'cat' at all. There was no way to be wrong about it, oh my god… I can't believe I missed this subtle clue all along, it was right in front of my nose!

I got struck with a mix of anxiety and anticipation for König's return. I couldn't wait for him to be back and tease him all day about it, but the weight of this new information felt like both a blessing and a curse—how will I keep a straight face next time he'll affectionately call me that??

Horangi suddenly apologized as he witnessed me, frozen in front of my phone while a torment of thoughts replayed all my past interactions with König, to the point when he uttered the word 'Schatz' to me for the first time.

"Sorry, I really thought you knew."

"Well now I do," I brushed off with a shrug, still processing what felt like a secret where everyone but me was on board.

While I extended my arm to put my phone back on the sofa, I suddenly got the urge to check something else. I went back into the translator and tapped the 5 letters of a certain codename that kept living in my head rent-free since the past few days, and I couldn't help my giggles when I saw the translation 'King' appear on the screen.

I showed the result to Horangi as I spoke. "And perhaps do you have an explanation for that too?" I cackled, and he cocked one eyebrow at me.

"Of course I've got that one, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna tell you," he bragged.

"What?! But come on!" I pleaded. However, Horangi stayed completely silent on the subject, no matter how many times I asked him.

 

Well, now that's only 2 things more I have to see about with König when he comes back I guess.

Chapter 21

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

I was rushing in the corridors of the main building to get out, going straight toward the medical area of the compound. I just learnt that König was back, but apparently injured too. I tried to not let panic get the best of me, yet my legs running on their own showed how I wasn't able to.

I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket when I was about to reach the doors of the main hall. With an absent mind, I grabbed it without really looking at the screen. The moment I realized who the sender was, my mind emptied and I instantly froze.

It was König.

And he was asking me to meet him in his room as soon as I could.

I looked at the message, then to the direction he was supposed to be in—the infirmary, then back at the screen. I felt confused for a moment, he's not wounded? Did I not understand well? But I heard it directly from a superior mouth though…

I still rushed outside, but now right toward the barracks. I hurriedly reached König's bedroom and, when I was just about to knock on his door, it suddenly opened and I felt pulled inside. I couldn't begin to register what the fuck was happening that I heard a locking sound before my back made contact onto the bed, quickly followed by a warm mass going right on top of me.

"König?!" I exhaled with a strangled voice, "What are you doing, aren't you hurt?" I sputtered as I tried to get on my elbows to face him better, but his strong hand got to my shoulder and forced me down again. He was enclosing me completely with his body, getting his legs firmly planted by my sides; hence making any attempt at escape difficult—if not unthinkable.

"I'm fine now that you're with me, meine Schatz…" he growled softly with that accent of his—gosh, how I missed that too. All the hairs on my neck stood on end as I heard the pet name, now loaded with meanings, stirring emotions in me I couldn't ignore… But now wasn't the time to think about that—the beginning of his sentence made me tick and pushed me back to my senses.

"What do you mean you're fine no—"

But my attempt to protest died on my lips as soon as my eyes met his. A sight unfolded before me, one that I had never witnessed before: König had his mask on, but this time there were no signs of a balaclava nor grease paint beneath it. The pale skin surrounding his hooded eyes appeared smooth, revealing one or two scars through the small windows provided by the holes of his mask. It was so novel, so unexpected that I had a hard time recognizing him at first, leaving my voice utterly cut short.

He chuckled at my reaction and lowered his head down till his face was mere inches from mine, the fabric of his mask grazing on my neck along with its owner. If my eyes were darting to every little detail of his visible features before, they were now locked to his mesmerizing blue iris.

"It's been a tough week, Schatz. And I don't know how many times I thought about seeing you again, but this really feels far better than any picture I drew in my head," he whispered softly while his hand ran through my hair to ease me down.

That smooth talker… My hand moved instinctively under his mask to cup his cheek and, as I looked at my thumb resting against his skin, I spotted the tiniest of mole just under his right eye. His cheekbones rose and his eyes squinted as a smile surely took over his lips—and again, the sight felt so much more powerful without the layers usually there that my heart almost jumped out of my chest. His warm, smooth skin had some lovely contrast with the scars sparse around. The slight stubble that had grown on his chin and jaw only added to the masculine effect.

"W—What took you so long?" I stuttered, realizing I was having a hard time thinking straight: all my concerns were fading away, being slowly replaced by a growing desire.

König lent his face even more in my hand before answering, and the feeling of his cheek pressed against my palm got almost overwhelming for my racing heart. My fingers traced the outlines of his jaw and neck mindlessly as he moved his mouth to answer me.

"That's classified, Schatz..." he purred, his voice smooth as velvet, and a mischievous twinkle appeared in his eyes. There was something almost hypnotic about his voice and his blue orbs that breathing grew difficult. He pressed even closer, his body leaning its weight into me, seeming so solid and safe against my own. His growing envy brushed against my clothed thigh, and the soft groan he exhaled as a result definitely gatekeeped any oxygen to meet my lungs for more than a heartbeat.

"I was out doing some... 'Field work', if that is what you want to call it."

König's words were punctuated by kisses on my neck, his lips barely brushing my skin as he went to speak into the shell of my ear. My hand had slipped from his cheek to his neck as he bent down, my fingers already intertwining with his soft, fluffy hair under his mask, only getting me craving for more.

"Well you almost had me worried…" I lied as he planted more wet kisses on my throat, not wanting to mention how I was running everywhere to check on him only a minute ago.

He moved his face over mine again and looked directly into my eyes with that warm, hungry gaze I could easily identify from a thousand others. An audible gulp escaped me as I found myself captivated by the sight: his icy iris were burning with a contrasting heat that would be the envy of an active volcano, rendering me even more hot and bothered.

"Shall I make it up to you?" he coaxed, his voice sounding both so gentle yet dangerous that my breath got cut short a second time. He looked so ready to devour me in one bite that my stomach was already doing flips of excitement.

I kept the staring contest for a few more seconds, as if to save faces, only to give in by nodding with my head at his temptatious proposal I just couldn't refuse.

His hands traced a slow, tantalizing path up and down my sides, eliciting a sharp exhale from me. The contrast between the rugged texture of his calloused hands on my own smooth, supple skin sent shivers cascading down my spine. I was basically melting in König's expert hands, surrendering to his every movement, more than willing to succumb and let him mold me into anything he desired.

His grip tightened around me as he leaned in again, his breath coming out in short, sharp bursts that moved his mask slightly after each occurrence. His mouth hovered over mine, teasing me for a moment.

And I don't think I need to draw you a picture of what happened next.

After much caresses, and kisses, and edging, and clothes flying everywhere—we found ourselves almost completely naked. König was now sitting on his bed, back against the wall, while I was desperately grasping the edge of his pants to pull them down and release the bulge imprisoned under. He chuckled at the sight before I started to slowly stroke his hard, twitching cock, to which he then responded with gutural sighs of pleasure. Fuck—I can barely go around it with my hand… I can't wait anymore, I need him, now.

I got closer to straddle him with my legs, eager to feel him in me for real, to finally have something more tangible than my imagination for god sake. Just as I was getting on top of him, he grabbed my hips and stopped me in my tracks. "Wait" he only breathed out before bending sideways toward his nightstand. When I saw him grab a little square of plastic, words weren't needed to understand the sudden need for an alt of pace.

He quickly put the condom on before bringing me toward him gently, guiding me to resume my previous motion. I carefully grabbed his length to align it with my entrance and, finally, I slowly let myself go down on him. I closed my eyes and leaned my head back, not able to suppress the moans that escaped my lips as I felt my insides stretching around him, my wetness slowly mixing with the lube of the condom.

"So tight…" König growled under his breath while scrapping my thighs with his fingertips, fighting the urge to push them down himself. His stomach caved in with a gasp of pleasure as I placed my hands on his shoulder and closed the last inch remaining, adapting my body to him one step at a time.

"It's you who's so big…" I managed to respond in between suppressed whines, clasping his shoulders as I settled myself carefully.

My hands then slid effortlessly to his strong neck and then traced along his jawline, my thumbs bringing his veil up as I did. König's eyes didn't leave me even for one second, yet he still trusted me with what was left in between me and his identity nonetheless. I continued just enough to reveal his lips, only stealing a quick glance at his chin to satiate my curiosity. I caught a glimpse of the scars on it, the larger one starting from next to his mouth and slicing diagonally to the center of his chin. His brown facial hair poking all around but on it made it impossible to miss; just like its counterpart on the other side I know originate from under his eye to finish straight on his upper lip, cutting through it and his stubble in a precise line.

I softly pressed my mouth against his, his lips parting immediately as a response. Our tongues melted together, the sensation of his hot lips on mine being so fucking addictive already. König's hands got on my hips as I moved slowly on him, his thumbs pressing in my inner thighs along every descent. He gave me total control over the situation, all he did was to push with his hands just to add a bit of pressure, hitting the right spot with every goddamn back and forth.

As I moaned into the kiss, my movement became more and more frantic. I broke the intertwinement of our lips to grasp for some air and planted my eyes into his, my hands taking upon this opportunity to feel his hair at the back of his head. As my lower lip got captured by his mouth again, I continued to ondulate on top of him, my breast bouncing in a broken rhythm while my nipples grazed against his bare chest, pushing my stamina to its limits.

"Verdammt… You're just… umwerfend" he hissed, his voice hoarse and dripping with lust. His pupils were dilated while still locked with mine, and his nails were almost digging in my flesh by now.

"König…" I only managed to moan out.

Feeling my limits growing near, I nuzzled my head next to his while my arms wrapped around his neck. All my muscles tensed up, and my hips were now only able to roll on his groin. My clit rubbing on his hairy crotch doubled with the feeling of being so full made my inside twitch. But what made me snap and hit my climax is when I felt König's teeth sink into the tender skin where my neck meet my shoulder, already leaving marks over the faint remnants of those that had the time to disappear during his absence; almost as if to claim and keep the hold of his property visible.

I came on him and his grip tightened, accompanying my pelvis as I squirmed under the waves of pleasure hitting me. My walls pulsing around König's cock only added another layer of raw ecstasy as I muffled my whines in the crook of his neck. He groaned in my neck, his endless nibbling sending shockwaves right into my core.

"Liebes, I can't… take—much more" he whimpered in between choppy moans.

He released the hold he had on my hips to grab my ass and moved it as if I weighted nothing, using me as his fuck toy while my limbs were almost non respondent. Every time he made my cunt clash with him, I felt strong shocks of pure pleasure milking the lingering aftermath of my climax. Wet, lewd sounds mixed with my semi-silent squeals and his ragged breaths—which were occasionally punctuated by desperate exhales of an incomprehensible (yet delightful) germano-english mush of sweet nothings whispered directly into my ear.

As my squishy insides squeezed his length, he made one last, strong back and forth of my butt with the help of his arms before they wrapped me completely. All his muscles tensed up as his cock pulsed inside of me, releasing its seed directly into the thin barrier of plastic separating me from big, unnecessary troubles.

My whole body felt like it was dissolving and transforming into a puddle right on top of König. We were a complete mess, tangled together like a flesh knot impossible to unravel. Beads of sweat rolled down my spine while my mind was in a complete fog, I could only feel my body rocking with König's as he was catching back his breath.

Still light headed, I slowly swayed away from his torso while I was still having the force to. My vision got a bit blurry so I instinctively placed a hand on his thigh for support but, as I did, König flinched and a growl of discomfort escaped him. He quickly brought me back against him and my head almost bumped into his collar bone in the process.

Taken aback, I stayed immobile and wondered if I did anything wrong. I waited for something to happen, but König only kept me close as he continued to breathe deeply. Confused, I tried to take a look behind me and saw one of his hands resting on his thigh delicately. I immediately shot him a glare but he avoided my gaze. As if shocked back into reality, I placed my hands on his shoulders and lifted myself swiftly before he could grab me back.

As I settled next to him, I grabbed the waistband of his sweatpants—which was still sitting right under his penis, and meticulously brought the thick fabric down while completely ignoring the noises of disapproval coming from above.

"Oh my—König!! So you are hurt!" I seethed, "But wh—why didn't you say so?!" I panicked, not knowing what to formulate first as dozens of questions hit me all at once. The middle of his thigh was wrapped with white bandages, leaving me with only my imagination to complete the picture. Is it a bullet wound? Or a knife one? No, maybe a burn?? Fuck, fuck, fuck—

"It's nothing bad, really. It'll get better in a few days" he replied softly, still in a funk.

"But—! You should be resting instead of screwing as soon as you leave the infirmary!" I scolded, not a care in the world if me being completely disheveled was kind of discrediting my point.

"But I missed you, Schatz" he defended, catching me back and bringing my body against his again. I placed my hands to his chest to get away but in vain: he had so much of a strong hold on me, a physical and mental one, that I eventually stopped struggling and stayed in place, defeated.

 

"I missed you too, dummy…" I sulked, to which he only chuckled before placing a loving kiss on my forehead to calm me down.

 

Notes:

Christmas hiatus announcement!

 

There won't be any chapter releasing next week (boo, I know 👉👈)
But don't worry, the story will resume the week after, pinkie promise!

I take this opportunity to thank you all for the support! All your comments always makes my day and give me so much energy, I can't describe how much joy you all bring me 🥺 The past few months really have been a blessing, and to think we've only reach the half point of the story makes me so happy about all the chapters that have yet to come out 🤭

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and to spend great times with your loved ones ❤️

Chapter 22

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

My head bobbed lightly along with the music coming from the radio, each beat syncing with the passing scenery outside the car window. When König suggested we venture out during our free time, I happily agreed: a change of pace from the base sounded like a good idea. A gentle smile played on my lips as we shared each other's company, enjoying it without the need for words. König wouldn't tell me where we were going, but I couldn't care less: with him, every moment felt like a day-to-day adventure—albeit this one greatly resembled the start of a date.

I couldn't quite describe how the last 2 weeks have played out by how surreal they felt. Since König was restricted to base due to his healing leg, it transformed our occasional encounters into a near-daily ritual. The nights were spent nestled against each other, as if we were still in the cozy confines of his sleeping bag. We savored each moment; perhaps because, deep down, we both knew this idyllic interlude had an expiration date—bound to end once his injury mended.

Eventually, yesterday marked a turning point when the medic declared König fit for duty again. And me? I'm just keeping my head buried deep in the sand, pretending the ominous clouds looming over my head aren't inevitable. The "serious talk" König and I should have had lingered unspoken, and a part of me wondered if our capacity to navigate around flimsy taboos could maybe be seen as a sign we're made for each other at this point.

But could you really blame me, when this giant cutie of a few words always knows how to make my heart flutter? When he's always hugging (and fucking) me as if there's no tomorrow? In those fleeting moments, voicing what we feel, defining what "we" are seems so… trivial.

I detached my eyes from the window to steal a peek at the one still squatting my thoughts. As König drove, he occasionally hummed along with the music while his hand was resting casually on my thigh. The subtle scent of his aftershave wafted through the car, the familiar fragrance now intricately woven into the fabric of my daily life. It was those small details that contributed to the peaceful atmosphere, which was sharply contrasting with the chaos that reigned in my mind.

The 30 minutes that passed felt more like a fleeting 5, and eventually König parked the car in a seemingly deserted area along a treeline. The surroundings were vacant, yet the gravel space hinted at its purpose for accommodating vehicles. I finally noticed an entrance: a path framed with small wood barriers was visible in the middle of the otherwise wild and furnished landscape.

König got out of the car and I followed suit, briefly wondering the purpose behind our presence here. The moment I stepped out, a rush of cold air hit my face and jolted me out of my thoughts. The biting wind tousled my hair, eliciting a shiver that made me instinctively wrap my arms around myself.

"Where are we?" I hesitantly questioned as I envisioned more of a casual lunch than a getaway in such weather for a first date—if this is a date anyway. Although, now that I think about it, going out with someone as tall (and as masked) as König might be asking too much of his reserved nature…

"You'll see in a minute, Schatz" he only replied, cryptic as always, before retrieving our coats from the back seats. His eyes sparkled with a mischievous delight as he wouldn't reveal his mysterious destination just yet.

He handed me my jacket before expertly helping me secure my scarf, ensuring I was correctly protected against the cold. Afterwards, he swiftly donned his own thick coat, flexing the well-defined muscles beneath his snug long-sleeve shirt… Goodness, if there's one thing I can't get accustomed to, it's the sight of him. And to think that I can touch him freely now...

While trying to get my mind out of the gutter, König extended his hand open in an unspoken invitation. My cheeks warmed on their own, yet my palm seamlessly settled into his like a natural response. He delicately closed his fingers around mine, as if holding a treasured possession, and slipped our hands into his pocket as our fingers intertwined. I buried my chin and nose into my scarf to hide my blush, suddenly feeling bashful as if I was 15 all over again.

Before I could inquire further, he led the way toward the forest entrance. I let him guide me as we strolled side by side, hand in hand… Hey, maybe this is a date after all??

The walk to wherever he was bringing us felt interminable, but it was probably just a matter of my own impatience. Soon enough we reached a clearing in the woods, revealing a lake as it occupied most of the space. A charming wooden cabin stood not far away from it and, as we were fully surrounded by nature, the full picture exuded a peaceful, winter beauty.

We passed by a small wooden pontoon while I gawked at the scenery. The light gray sky reflected seamlessly on the still waters, creating a mirror-like surface; if not for the flipped trees in it, it could be mistaken for a smooth, tangible platform. A new chilly gust of wind swept through, causing the conifers' leaves all around us to rustle like delicate sleigh bells. The subtle music it made added a comforting presence to the otherwise quiet landscape, seemingly devoid of any wildlife aside from us. While we continued our approach to the small cabin, König finally broke the silence.

"Welcome to my fishing spot, Schatz" he greeted with a happy tone, his thumb brushing the back of my hand with his usual, gentle touch. Despite the warmth of his hand enveloping mine, the rest of my body didn't fare as well when the weakening wind passed by and played with loose strands of my hair.

"You want to go fishing in this weather?" I asked with a strangled voice. Fuck, this is not a date, abort, abort—

König only chuckled as he squeezed my hand, answering with a simple headshake. Now at the cabin's height, he released my fingers and took a seat on the lone bench placed there, the wood creaking under his weight. Before I could do the same, he opened his coat and gestured for me to join him.

"Come" he invited, nodding toward his thighs. Without hesitation, I quickly sat on his lap and he closed his coat around us. It felt akin to a baby kangaroo snug in its mother's pouch: only my head was peeking out of our unconventional, yet efficient, way of warming up.

"You cold?" König inquired, his voice a gentle murmur from above while his arms enveloped me over his coat.

"Not anymore," I mumbled as I nuzzled myself even more against him, feeling the natural warmth radiating from his body seeping into my own. He released a soft sigh before resting his chin atop my head, and I relished in his embrace.

"Are you happy?" he suddenly asked, his jaw barely grazing my scalp as he spoke.

I flinched, caught off guard more by the double meanings than the question itself. I had a hunch we might venture on those grounds eventually; but now that it was happening, it's like all the psychological preparation I've done went out the window. As I tried to steady my racing heart, I opted for the strategy of...

"Yes, this place is beautiful. I'm glad you brought us here."

…temporarily playing dumb. Although, my clammy palms were already traitorously fidgeting beneath his coat.

König most probably saw right through my bluff, but chose to let it slide nonetheless. In the ensuing silence, I could almost hear the gears in his head moving as he thought, his mind wandering to god knows where. He then tensed underneath me, and a slight twitch in his hands betrayed an eagerness to share something.

"I've received my orders for a new mission" he finally announced.

My stomach sank at the revelation. It hadn't even been 24 hours since his full recovery and he was already slated for another mission? But what did I expect, this shouldn't be surprising—and yet… The notion of him being sent away again for an indeterminate period of time brought a sharp pang to my heart.

"Zero risk doesn't exist, but it should be much quieter than the previous one" he reassured, though I noticed a slight shift in his tone—a hint of concern. Some subtle signs of nervousness crept in, like how his eyes darted left and right while trying to find his words. I could sense his effort to keep his composure, I spent enough time around him to spot his little quirks by now.

As he continued, his monologue gradually drifted towards me. He began enumerating some of my traits, acknowledging my assertiveness and my sagacity—qualities he admired. He praised me as "a trustworthy teammate", emphasizing that he couldn't ask "for a better soldier" to watch his back. A subtle blush tinted my cheeks as he continued speaking, his voice effortlessly drowning out the loud beating of my heart as it relentlessly drummed in my chest the more we approached the fateful subject.

It got to a point where his words were now filling me with foreboding—why was he showering me with compliments? To pass the pill of whatever he's about to deliver?? Meanwhile, my fingers were clenched so tightly that the pain was starting to register.

"Look, Schatz, what I mean is…"

Oh no, don't 'Schatz' me now, my heart won't be able to take it—

"...you are truly a competent person, an operator I can trust…"

No…

"...but, above all, someone I admire…"

Is he about to hit me with a 'that's-not-a-you-but-a-me-problem'?
He wouldn't, right??
Fuck—I closed my eyes tightly with a frown, as if it would shut my ears too from what's coming.

"...and that's why I'd want you to come work with me on my next mission."

I stayed frozen, expecting my heart to shatter into a thousand pieces, but it... didn't?

Only opening one eye, I saw the tension vanish from his shoulders, leaving him being completely cool and composed just like the König I'm used to. As I turned my head to look at him in disbelief, his eyes lit up, eagerly awaiting for my response. He seemed genuinely happy to propose this idea to me, as if… joining him means a lot to him.

"You want me? To come with you? On your next mission?" I restated, still unable to fully grasp the fact that I had completely misread the subject of this conversation.

"Yes, that's exactly what I meant" he confirmed, continuing to look at me as if he wanted to remember every little detail of my dumbfounded expression.

Oh.

Shocked back into reality like I had been doused with a bucket of ice-cold water, I quickly considered his offer:
From a professional point of view, this was a tempting opportunity to explore new challenges; and given König's abilities, I can blindly trust this mission to roll without a hitch.
However, on a personal level, I felt… cornered. I was still stubbornly reluctant to bring the state of our relationship up to the discussion, but how can I answer without confirming where he stood regarding… us?

Sure, we could keep going with the whole cuddling, kissing, and, well, you know what, without acknowledging that it's become our new normal—but, honestly, avoiding the elephant in the room is just postponing the inevitable. Ignoring it might be convenient but, in the end, it's nothing but a ticking bomb waiting to explode… And defusing it before it would wreak havoc is definitely the wiser decision. I can no longer ignore how the incertitude gnaws at me so badly it sometimes led to a physical ache; I must face this head-on.

"I'll give you my reply, but first you have to answer my question" I began with a resolved expression, rendering him to be the one caught off guard now.

Here we go…

"What about us?" I dropped, and a small silence ensued where König had to blink twice before he could respond.

"Us?" he repeated, his voice slightly louder than before, as if afraid he hadn't heard correctly.

His reaction wrung my heart dry of its blood. Every fiber of my being urged me to escape from his lap—but my body was anchored to his, to it's fucking warmth, to it's fucking reassuring confort. I could only stay numb as I waited for him to say something, anything that wouldn't shatter what was left of the fragile opening I finally offered.

König slightly panicked when he realized his confusion had pained me. His warm hand swiftly cupped my cold cheek, directing my focus to his soft, clear gaze, one that perfectly matched with the scenery as if it was another picture in itself. He studied my face thoroughly before speaking again, delicately tucking a wild strand of hair behind my ear as he talked.

"Us is everything to me, Schatz," he professed calmly, a fond expression in his eyes. "And I don't view our relationship as a hindrance or anything that could jeopardize working together."

His declaration flooded me with goosebumps, and a weight I hadn't even realized I was carrying seemed to dissipate under his loving gaze. It was as if I could only truly believe it once the words had escaped his lips… And they had.

"Thank god…" I heaved, burying myself a bit deeper in König's coat, trying to hide the secondhand embarrassment that took over. I oddly felt both safe and vulnerable, melding me into a sheepish mess I couldn't contain anymore.

"Awh, meine Liebes…" König cooed as he enveloped me in his arms once more, exhaling a ragged sigh as if he was suppressing a chuckle. "I'm sorry if I made you think you were anything less for me."

"It's not that, it's just…" I paused, pressing my lips together for a second to find my words. "I'm kinda used to men claiming they're not ready to commit, that's all…"

König cocked an eyebrow while I tilted my face to meet his gaze. He shook his head slightly in disagreement before placing his forehead back against mine.

"Those men are fools. Now that you're mine, I won't let you slip away," he vowed, his voice barely above a whisper.

While his declaration and every implication behind it slowly sank in, a heat wave took over me, coloring my cheeks in a way I wouldn't be able to blame it on the cold anymore. It was as if a warm, comforting glow was melting any lingering negative emotion away from me.

"I'm a handful, you know..." I eventually retorted, not able to hide a hint of self-deprecation in my tone. His chuckle near my ear preceded a response in the softest, most affectionate voice I had ever heard from him.

 

"And I have two hands, Schatz."

Notes:

Credit for last sentence: it's inspired by this @mushie.r deh short comic ❤️

Chapter Text

My eyes, just like König's, were glued to the entrance of a nightclub as we were parked in a dark alley not far from it. Each damn night we sat on our asses instead of doing something, trying our luck in waiting for our target to make an appearance… But after 3 nights in a row of doing literally nothing, staying put was becoming increasingly unbearable.

This was nothing like our moment at the lake. No picturesque scenery, no serene ambiance, and certainly no cuddles nor sweet words were exchanged. The only shared element between now and then was the biting cold—and of all things, that was probably the last sensation I wished to be reminded of.

Our current mission had its roots in the recent unraveling of the 'Shadow' network. It's been a few months since we successfully dismantled one of their major drug sites, but it turned out that the aftermath was far from the end. Behind the scenes, this organization not only managed to survive but also flourished, quietly expanding its clandestine operations; they're now forming alliances with different businesses—whether out of allegiance, or by sheer intimidation. And this night club right here, it was just one of their many locations where they laundered their money under everyone's noses.

König had spent a significant portion of his solo missions tracing their activities, making him more familiar with their modus operandi than I could ever be. However, we had a clear advantage over them: me. I could go in there, blend in and grab the intel firsthand—but König was vehemently against the idea.

My patience wore thin, aggravated by the rhythmic tapping of his fingers on the steering wheel. The wait was taxing for him too, and yet he still clings on doing nothing over taking a shot. His stubbornness of not using me as an asset feels so irrational that a suspicion was gnawing at me: perhaps he's coddling me—and that thought alone frustrated me to a point where I cared little if my next words would be vindictive.

"If that's how you approached all your previous missions, I can see now why they took you so long" I blurted out, my gaze still fixed on the club's entrance.

I saw a subtle flinch pass through him in my peripheral vision. He was accustomed to me being snarky at times, but I must have hit straight in his ego as I felt a shift in his demeanor. He released a deep sigh, but contained any further display of annoyance before replying.

"Patience, Schatz. We can't afford to make mistakes here" he defended, his tone clearly indicating there wasn't any room for a debate.

During missions, König always presented his cold, calculated, perfectionist side. Recklessness was a concept not present in his vocabulary and I'll have to come to terms with it sooner or later. Too bad for him that tonight was three nights too late for such acceptance.

"This doesn't make any sense. Even if we catch and interrogate the man, then what?" I rebutted, casting him a dose of side eye as I crossed my arms over my chest. "Kill him? Release him? Because, either way, his buddies are going to know. We'll just end up with them more alerted than they already are" I pressed, giving my honest input on his overall command.

König frowned as he whipped his face to me. "This isn't about that," he argued, his irritation evident this time. He looked away once again, thus leaving my past remarks totally unanswered.

"Then what is this about? Why won't you tell me if you have ulterior motives?" I shot back, feeling all the bubbled up frustration of the past few days rising up. I pinched my nose bridge and closed my eyes to regain my cool, breathing in and out silently while a heavy silence settled in.

"Do you really think you can change my mind?"

His question was rhetorical of course; I know I can't, but it's not like he'll be able to alter mine either at this point.

"Schatz, it's not safe for you to go by yourself, we've already discussed this. If we could do it, we would. We have no choice but to be patient," he imposed again, his voice firm.

I opened my eyes back and shot him a glare. Damn it—I couldn't recall another instance when we clashed like this, except maybe when we first met. In a way, König prioritizing my safety over the mission spoke volumes, but come on! This is just a nightclub for fuck sake, not a heavily guarded prison, nor a cartel safehouse—well, maybe a bit of the latter, but still!

I redirected my attention to the entrance with furrowed eyebrows. People waited in line, some visibly intoxicated already, and a group of young women were giggling together as one of them entered the club on the arm of a man.

And something clicked in my brain.

What if König's reluctance was fueled by the sea of males in heat I'd have to be immersed into, in a room so crowded that navigating without being pressed against them would be nearly impossible? Once you eliminate all the plausible explanations, his odd decision seemed less and less motivated by an experienced soldier looking out for his learning one, and looked more and more like one taken by an overprotective, jealous boyfriend.

You know what? Fuck it.

I swiftly shed my coat and removed my black turtleneck, exposing my bare skin to the freezing environment. Retrieving my pocket knife from my pants, I ignored the goosebumps sensations and began cutting off my sleeves. König watched me with a certain intensity, his hands clenching the steering wheel tighter as a reaction.

Once done, I slipped back into my newly sleeveless turtleneck and fetched the makeup purse I left into the glove box. Lowering the sun visor to use its mirror, I began applying some eyeliner and mascara. Makeup wasn't a regular part of my routine; but when I heard the mission would take place in a nightclub, I brought some in anticipation to help me blend in—right before König decided otherwise. Fortunate of me to have stashed the purse here when I heard the news I guess.

"I never allowed you to go," König reiterated with a low, menacing tone, almost as a final warning.

Giving him one of my trademark I-don't-care expressions, I ignored him and applied some lipstick before stashing everything back in the purse, itself back in the glove box. I untied and fluffed my hair, attempting to add some intentional volume by ruffling it softly.

Once satisfied with the result, I turned back to König, fully expecting to be stopped and scolded the shit out of me. However, to my surprise, he just stood there, utterly mesmerized:he appeared almost frozen while his wide-open eyes seemed glued on my complexion.

Well, well, would you look at this… There are some benefits to entertaining a relationship with a superior after all.

A mischievous smirk played on my lips as I casually placed a hand on his thigh, leaning in closer.

"What?" I cooed while looking at him through my now long, black eyelashes. "Is there a problem?"

Able to move again, König gently placed his thumb and forefinger on my chin, tilting my head till our eyes locked. Cloaked in civilian clothes to stay undercover, his sole balaclava couldn't conceal how his gray orbs were already heating for me. He took his time to assess me, as if wanting to remember every detail of my face, and his jaw finally worked under the smooth, black fabric.

"You know exactly what you're doing" he growled.

"And it's working?" I purred, biting my lower lips as I felt his pinkie finger inching toward my throat. My free hand boldly roamed to his other thigh, venturing a bit further, making me bend even more toward his chest while he seemed lost in a fog of desire and temptation.

"You know it is..." he almost slurred, his gaze dropping dangerously to my tinted lips.

His breath grew heavier, and his fingers twitched on my cheek as he slowly bent his head closer to mine. Ha, so much for wanting to be a serious operator when all it takes for him to be destabilized is a bit of makeup…

Without further ado, I extended my hand to the intercom device sitting in his side door, snatched it, and slipped out of his grasp in a heartbeat. Now outside, the intercom within one hand, the passenger door within the other, I flashed König one last, sly smile. His hand hovered mid-air, right where my face had been resting just seconds ago, leaving him blinking like an adorable idiot.

"Turn on your radio, big boy," I teased as I grabbed my coat from my seat. "Let me show you how it's done."

The van door closed behind me in a resonant, metallic thud as I made my hasty exit, leaving no room for him to respond. "Wait, you—" were the words that barely made it through the vehicle before I was too far from it.

Swiftly, I inserted the wireless earpiece in place and tucked the rest of the communication gear—a small, flat device to enhance the signal—in my bra, right through the newly DIYed arm holes of my shirt. And, for the final touch: I casually threw on my coat, letting it slide halfway down my shoulders. Passing by in front of a shop window, I was delighted to see the full look: with my black jeans and laced boots, it gave off some real 'grunge party girl' vibes.

"Let's fucking go!" I self-encourage with bubbly enthusiasm, maybe enjoying the thrill a bit too much; whereas I could feel König's piercing gaze on my back as I ventured confidently towards the club by myself.

"This is König, come in," his voice finally echoed in my ear, his tone worriedly calm and steady. Whether he's about to snap at me, or he just admitted defeat over the whole thing.

"I hear you loud and clear, over," I whispered as I approached the end of the line. Now that I've pushed us to these extreme lengths, I was quite curious about his reaction. He first inhaled deeply, his frustration about my 'reckless' decision more than audible.

"Du kleine..." he started before composing himself. "Alright... I want you to be on the lookout for the target. If you spot him, tell me immediately—and if you can't, you get your ass back here prompto."

"Keep your distance," he advised, his voice a bit shaky. "And for God's sake, don't get into trouble."

"Rog, out."

And with that, I was finally standing in front of the nightclub; it didn't give off any 'upscale' kind of vibe, but it didn't look like a shithole either. Various people waited outside with me, including the young females from earlier still chatting together—and one look sufficed to notice that at least half of them were underage. Others observed a group of drunk men trying to get in, but the bouncer wasn't having it. Not long after they left, and not without hiding their discontent, a well-dressed, middle-aged man strode straight toward the entrance; thus while completely ignoring the line. He exchanged a few words with the bouncer in what seemed to be Spanish, but I couldn't make any of it due to the girl's troop calling for him desperately.

"Diegooo!!"

"Hey, Diego!"

"Would you let us in, pretty pleaaase?"

"We'll behave, promise!"

I squinted my eyes to get a better look and recognized him almost immediately: it was Diego Garcia, the owner of this charming nightclub. He wasn't our target, but damn—if that wasn't a nice starting point…

Giving the girls a nonchalant glance, Diego's eyes met mine and he froze for an instant. His lips slowly curled and he made his way toward the back of the line as if he couldn't hear the persistent attempts of the young girls to capture his attention.

Once at my height, Diego planted himself in front of me, likely blocking König's line of sight, and his cologne instantly hit my nostrils. He stood tall and broad, his soft tanned skin and pitch-black short curls being complimented by a wine-red dress shirt. As he eyed me through his dark iris, he grinned, showcasing a gold molar in the back of his mouth.

"Now there's something new in here. What's your name, kitty girl?" he flirted with a low voice, not even trying to hide his intentions. After all, he had everything to be confident about; given the power he wielded around here.

I quickly sunk into my persona, quelled the knot in my stomach, and smiled back.

"Prescillia, but you can call me Prissi" I lied with a sweet voice, trying to sound interested. "And you're… Diego, if I heard correctly?"

"That's right, Prissi…" he nodded as took a step closer. "So, what's a little girl like you doing alone in a place like this?" he inquired, his voice sounding as seductive as expected from someone trying his luck.

"Well, I wasn't supposed to be alone, but my friend dropped me last minute," I explained with a hint of sadness in my voice. Tilting my head slightly, I gave him the most innocent eyes I could muster.

"So I wouldn't be against a bit of company" I insinuated, silently praying that it would be enough to have him hooked. Diego appeared quite pleased as he took another step toward me, saying,

"And I wouldn't mind keeping you company at all, my little kitty cat."

I caught the sound of König's scoff through my earpiece, but I blatantly ignored his 'input' as Diego offered me his arm. Softly, I wrapped my hand around it and let him lead us to the entrance. The nape of my neck prickled as we walked past the group of women, their unabashed glares were oozing with jealousy even from a few feet afar.

The bouncer opened the door for his boss without a word, only giving a respectful nod in my direction that I politely returned. As we entered the night club, I had to resist the urge to steal one last glance in König's direction…

 

But now that I've got my hands on a golden ticket, I promised myself that I would make the most of it.

Chapter Text

Once inside, we paused at the cloakroom counter to deposit my coat and Diego's thick suit vest. Muffled music intensified as we descended a grand staircase, and when Diego swung open one of the large, deep soundproof double doors at the end of it, electronic beats immediately blasted my ears.

My eyes quickly scanned the area, one as typical as any other nightclub scene: a dim lighting with a few spotlights here and there; a crowd of people dancing on a spacious dance floor; a DJ bored to death at the back; and a bar occupied by the usual characters, eager for girls to entice with drinks.

As I mentioned, not a shithole, but certainly not upscale either.

My purpose here suddenly hit me back like a jolt when Diego placed his hand on the small of my back. Suppressing the mild nausea this unsolicited touch gave me, I let him guide me toward some vacant tables at the far end of the club. I tried to maintain an appearance of awe and delight, relying entirely on my acting skills—although, Diego's arm around me made it pretty challenging to fully immerse myself in the charade.

As we settled in an empty booth, a mere gesture from Diego to someone at the bar had preparations underway. It wasn't surprising given his title, but I wasn't supposed to know any details of it—yet.

"Wow, VIP treatment right from the entrance?" I asked innocently, faking a smile. "You must be someone important..."

And there it was—a wide, arrogant smirk stretching across Diego's lips, confirming what I was suspecting all along. A little bit of me rubbing him the right way and he'll wrap around my finger in no time.

"Very important… You're a smart girl, Prissi, I like that," he flirted as he gestured for me to get closer.

"Come here, where I can see you."

"Careful Diego, you don't even know if I bite," I warned half-seriously, pretty sure König had something to say on that part.

As I scooted closer to Diego, I caught a faint growl coming from the intercom; or maybe that was just the fake leathers of the banquette squeaking under me.

"I like to live dangerously, just as I love to have my chances with a beauty like you, Prissi."

Nope, that was definitely König growling—there's another one. And since Diego is completely oblivious to the menace sitting outside, he continued his parade with a carnivorous smile, his golden tooth reflecting a laser as it passed by.

"You seem like a good girl, but I know there's a little wild cat hiding in there..." Diego teased, offering a wink as his hand ventured toward my waist. I intercepted it gently and guided it away with a feather-light motion, all the while trying to keep a cute expression rather than a disgusted one.

"Ah, ah, ah—Diego, it's a bit soon for that, don't you think? You're a gentleman, aren't you?" I flattered, faking my amusement. Over the loud music, I heard König talking in my earpiece; and I had to make a conscious effort locking my eyes with Diego's to not glance toward the source of the sound in a reflex.

"You're doing great but move on with this," his voice a grunt, his annoyance palpable. Diego on the other hand chuckled, persisting with his heavy advances.

"I couldn't resist your beauty, but you're right. Let's drink something first," he suggested, his eyes shifting to something behind me. The bartender from earlier suddenly appeared, and he placed a tray of what seemed to be shots of tequila on our table before quickly excusing himself.

Well, now that I'm here… I followed Diego's lead again, and we toasted our shot glasses before downing them. Urgh—tastes like dog piss

As we talked, I subtly steered the discussion toward his activities—if I have to be stuck with him, might as well be productive. Luckily, he was pretty talkative, consistently boasting about his exploits... And although he didn't delve into details, he still mentioned how lucrative was what he called some 'honest businesses' among other gangsters in the city.

The more he spoke, the more he imbibed, and the nearer he edged toward me. Diego's drunken antics were becoming increasingly irritating, and soon he wouldn't be of any use—fuck…

He eventually drained the last shot, and he drew so much closer this time our knees bumped together. His voice then dropped to a lower register, matching with his hand as it landed on my thigh without prior invitation.

"Prissi, you're really special to me…" he purred next to my ear, directly into my mic. His hot breath carried the unmistakable scent of alcohol, and I had to summon every ounce of self-control to keep a traitorous look of repugnance from taking over my face.

"...I know you'd be mine if you only gave me a chance…"

As my mind raced to find a solution out of this mess, a voice behind me, booming over the music, abruptly interrupted whatever Diego was trying to pull off.

"Diego, we need you in the back, it's urgent!"

My sigh of relief wasn't as silent as I wished it to be, but Diego was fortunately too inebriated to take notice. Over my shoulder, I spotted a man dressed in a sharp suit, his dark hair meticulously combed back. The lack of lighting didn't help much, but I'm fairly certain this man is Diego's second in command, Armando or something.

"Can't it wait?" Diego complained loudly, his forehead etching with a frown. He was still clinging to my thigh, a bit too forcefully for my taste—and to think I'd only need to lift my knee to jab his stupid face…

"No. Joseph is here, and he's waiting for you," Armando insisted firmly, emphasizing on the 'waiting' part.

His demand wasn't something Diego could say no to: the look on his face suggested as much as the inhibition seemed to be suddenly drained from it. He let out an exasperated sigh, his annoyance visibly turning into frustration, yet he complied nonetheless.

"I'll be right back, Prissi. Business is calling," Diego grumbled. He patted my thigh as he stood up, and my eye caught the gleam of his golden chain as it swung from his neck. He quickly joined Armando and they immediately strolled away together, leaning in close to hear themselves over the music.

"König, did you catch that? Joseph, as in the Joseph we're looking for? Looks like I was right, sugarboo," I teased with a victorious smirk.

"I didn't spot him entering, so either they have a back entry point, or it's not our guy," König briskly analyzed. He sounded less tense than earlier, likely relieved I was now free from Diego's drunken mutterings—at least I certainly was.

My eyes tracked Diego's every movement through the nightclub, like a hawk stalking its next prey. When he and Armando faded into the distance, I rose from my seat and trailed them discreetly, completely capitalizing on the low-lit ambiance of the club.

"You can come back now, we'll find the back door and we'll intercept him. Let's get this mission done and over with."

"Not happening" I disagreed as I left the VIP area, striding straight toward the dancefloor.

"What?"

"Now that our target's in the house, it'd be impolite not to say hello" I smirked as I blended into the dance throng, deftly dodging wandering hands with a swift hip or shoulder shift.

"I told you to maintain distances, not to jump into the lion's den!" König strongly disapproved.

"Watch me" I taunted, my words lost in the throbbing music anyway. A muffled curse emanated from the intercom as I maneuvered through the crowd, everyone too entranced by the pole dancers to notice me glancing the other way.

Never leaving Diego out of my sight, I watched as he eventually reached the opposite end of the club, now heading for black doors guarded by a lone security guard. Once he and his sidekick disappeared inside, I waded my way out of the dance floor, weaving through intoxicated fellas and almost bumped into a couple shamelessly making out in the midst of it all.

"After this we should definitely hit a nightclub together, you'd love it here," I shot to König, earning a scoff on the other end of the call.

"If you could get me to enter. A competent bouncer never allows someone they know they can't subdue," he countered, his heavy implies matching his ego. As I rolled my eyes, I still flashed a smile at the idea: going out downtown with König… Perhaps someday, but certainly not during a mission.

"Our charming host went in the back, I'll see if I can follow suit," I reported quickly as I finally escaped the chaos of the dance floor.

"Is the way clear?" König immediately inquired back.

One look at the guard suggested a tad of surprise effect could take care of him—but staying undercover was clearly the wiser path here, especially considering this underground nightclub was owned and surrounded by thugs. Also, since I'm just a random girl to anyone here, might as well abuse it…

"It'll be in a second," I evasively replied, deliberately smearing my lipstick and tousling my hair to enhance my credibility. With a quick dash, I approached the guard with a panicked attitude.

"Excuse me, excuse me!" I called, feigning being out of breath.

My hand landed on the guard's biceps and I turned my gaze to his, giving him my best teary-eyed expression—only to realize his own eyes were concealed behind sunglasses. Strange, but oh well—who am I to judge considering my partner's appearance? Quickly swallowing my surprise, I resumed with my little comedy.

"There's a weirdo at the bar, he touched me, a—and tried to kiss me! H—he's coming for me!" I implored with a shaky voice, frantically pointing at the bar. My acting worked wonders on the guard, he appeared genuinely concerned as he placed a hand over mine.

"Calm down, miss," he reassured in a deep, almost fatherly voice. "We'll take care of this, how does he look?"

Providing the most basic of descriptions—drunk, dark hair, wearing a white t-shirt—I watched as he… called his colleague via his earpiece radio—shitshitshit!

Time almost came to a stop as I stared at him in horror, unable to hear what the response was… Until lines slowly appeared on the guard's forehead, turning into a frown that was possibly hinting in my favor.

"Alright, I'll take care of it," he declared with a sigh before looking back at me. "Stay here miss, I'll be right back."

He patted my shoulder and headed himself to the bar… Which is in the complete opposite direction from the door he was originally tasked to guard.

And now it's me who's sighing in relief.

"Told 'ya!" I exclaimed, trying to appear unfazed and confident for the buzzkiller of the group.

"Nice acting, Prissi," König deadpanned, still too obstinate to admit that all of this was a good idea and that it was going wonderfully well. I wiped off the smudged lipstick from my cheek before reaching for the door handle and... Heck, who am I kidding? I'm not only doing well, I'm doing fucking amazing.

I cautiously cracked the door open, peering through to check for any signs of life on the other side. All that met my eyes was a dimly lit corridor, but anything at this point was better than the darkness of the club. Finding no one in sight, I creeped inside and cautiously closed the door behind me.

Moving in silence, I pressed against the walls with each step, remaining vigilant for any sounds. The distant thump of the club's music persisted, but it was nothing in comparison to what could be previously registered a cacophony.

I finally caught murmurs of voices emanating from a door that almost screamed 'I-am-an-important-office': the color, the material, the damn door handle deviated significantly from any other in the area. And one glance at the plaque 'DIEGO GARCIA' boldly plastered in the middle of it was enough to understand the whys of such a difference.

Taking a chance with the adjacent door—as it appeared so much less significant; revealed it as being unlocked. The small room behind it was shrouded in darkness, and a quick peek confirmed it as a mere storage place. I discreetly slipped in, went immediately to the wall connected to the office, and—

"Bingo!" I whispered.

An aeration vent.

"I'm in a storage room next to Diego's office, let's see if we can hear their little meeting," I informed König, keeping my voice low as I got on all four to reach my precious.

"Damn Schatz, you're fucking efficient for a spy newbie" he finally admitted.

Grinning from ear to ear, I listened to the dialogue next door: something about a deal and a shipment, but the grid itself made it difficult to hear exactly what was said. The conversation played on and off, leaving me with only fragments of it.

"Deals, shipment, payment... I wonder what this is about" König mumbled to himself.

With my trusty pocket knife, I painstakingly unscrewed the grid from its frame with a battering heart. But, just as the last screw was about to come loose, it slipped from my grasp and clattered onto the tiled floor with a brief, glassy sound.

A pause in the dialogue next door ensued, making my blood turn cold—

Until it resumed within a few seconds. I exhaled silently before removing the grid, placing it very cautiously on the floor. And when I positioned my head next to the now-open hole in the wall, I was pleased to find that the past muffled voices were now much clearer and understable:

"...you have no choice. We could put this entire deal up in smoke. No payment, no shipment."

The voice went slightly louder and louder, as if some kind of argument was starting. Diego's voice followed right after, trying to convince whoever was with him of something.

"Please, please, I'll do anything, but don't ruin the deal. This shipment will double what we could ever get if it wasn't for you. I'm sure we can find an arrangement…"

"You already know the price, Diego!" the other man (presumably Joseph) threatened, his tone growing colder as his temper rose. Even from a distance, I could feel the tension by how thick it was.

A pregnant pause gripped the conversation, as if they both stopped talking all of a sudden. After a few excruciating seconds, a long exhale resonated, and a pungent smell of tobacco made my nose wrinkle.

"If you can't pay now, I might make an exception… But my boss then would like to have something in exchange; a favor, if you will."

"Whatever you want, just name it," Diego almost implored. "You know we can't afford to lose this deal."

If I hadn't witnessed it myself, I wouldn't believe  Diego was reveling in drunken merriment just minutes ago; that Joseph and his 'boss' must wield quite the influence here to make Diego lose his shit like that. And the more I hear about this arrangement, the shadier it becomes... Just how many other businesses do they have control over that we don't know of?

"Alright then Diego," Joseph drawled, his tone suddenly shifting calm, composed, almost bored he brought Diego to his heel that easily.

"I need someone like you to do something. A little job."

I refrain from scoffing. A little job... It sounded so small and quick, but it presumably wasn't.

"A job? I love jobs, tell me what you need and consider it done!" Diego assured, his voice evoking the eager yapping of a puppy vying for his master's attention.

"What I need you to do is to take care of a package..." Joseph started, his voice still calm yet authoritative.

"What's in the package?" Armando interrupted, his tone laced with concerns.

"Nothing too scary, only something very valuable... That you'll make sure not to lose," Joseph explained as he extinguished his cigarette on something, leaving me hanging with a horrible feeling regarding his impending request.

He proceeded to intricately lay out the specifics:  location, time, and detailed instructions for this unexpected delivery; yet, the package's contents remained a mystery. It could range from rare drugs to stolen art—either way the amount of precautions advised for the trip were considerable, but private deliveries aren't really what we were after… Shit, I wish they would have talked longer about their previous deal.

But then, almost as if some divine force had overheard my inner monologue, Joseph dropped a name I never thought he would.

"Believe me when I say you should do everything in your power to have this done correctly. If you haven't understood it by now, this is for the big boss" he warned, his voice somehow turning even more icy and lethal.

 

"This is for the Shadow himself." 

Chapter Text

I quickly shut my mouth to retain a gasp; the revelation was beyond belief. Of all people, this deal involved The Shadow? The apex predator, the one at the top of this ever-expanding mafia hierarchy?

To hear he's involved in this job is more than concerning. He inspires fear both within and beyond his organization—despite never gracing anyone of his presence. And Diego getting even more agitated upon hearing the name drop was enough proof its reputation still held strong.

"The Shadow? Wh... why him?" he stumbled in disbelief.

I sincerely couldn't believe it either. Not only had the mission gone smoothly so far, we were now given a straight route to a top criminal. This feels almost too good to be true—the intel couldn't be better.

"Get out of there, Schatz. The mission is done, you did an absolutely outstanding job," König praised sincerely, satisfaction ringing in my ear.

He's right, this was enough luck for tonight. I subtly replaced the grid and only loosely screwed it back in to be quicker.

"On my way," I whispered before peeping out of the closet: the halls remained quiet, no security guard to be seen. None, unless the one stationed at the door I took returned to his position. I can either find another way out, or try and risk the first path I took—but coming from the other side of the door won't give me the same advantage over the guard this time…

"König," I whispered, "you're sure we don't have a map of this place? You said it yourself, there must be a backdoor if Joseph—"

"Yes, but don't dwell on it; it's likely guarded at the moment. However, chances are you'll find a direct way back into the nightclub in the maintenance area, they always have one of those," König advised without hesitation.

"How do you know that?" I inquired as I eased out of the closet and retraced my steps. I'm sure I spotted a service door marked 'maintenance' on my way here.

König pondered for a moment, a sudden hesitation bubbling in his throat.

"I... I did my research, that's all. Just go there and you'll see."

"Copy, I'm heading in," I briefly updated, choosing not to probe him further as I found the room and creeped into its cluttered space.

Quickly scanning the surroundings for the door König promised me, I first spotted two women in the far end of the room. Fortunately, they were completely engrossed in their phones, one even audibly playing Candy Crush. They're probably waiting for their shift to start as it's… almost 2am—shit, I really need to get out of here.

Searching for my escape route, I finally discerned a door tucked away in a dark corner. And, judging by how soundproof it looked, no doubt it connected to the nightclub.

I proceeded to move from one piece of furniture to the other as if it was just another stealth exercise, eventually finding refuge behind a cleaning cart. I was almost there—when suddenly, one of the two ladies spoke up in a language I couldn't make up.

I couldn't decipher a word—was she talking about something unimportant? Or did she saw me??

Well, what she was saying wouldn't remain a mystery for long since her voice quickly escalated into a loud complaint. Risking a peek in their direction, it appeared that the one not playing Candy Crush had enough of the annoying music coming from her colleague's phone.

I let out a silent sigh and, as they continued their argument, I finally reached and pushed the door open. I slipped on the other side without so much as a final glance at them, uncertain if the sudden blast of music alerted them or not. Finally reunited with the loud techno and the overall heat saturating the air, I felt thankful for everyone being too distracted dancing and/or drinking to take notice of my sudden appearance.

"Phew, thank god you were right…" I panted as I placed a hand over my racing heart. When I turned myself toward the exit though, my abrupt motion had me accidentally bump some guy's arm, causing his drink to spill a bit onto his white t-shirt.

"Hey! Watch where you're going, bitch!" he shouted, his breath reeking of alcohol, his fist more than ready to pick a fight. "Who's going to pay for that now, huh?!"

The few people around us turned to see as he placed himself squarely in front of me, backing me up to the wall to block my only way out. My eyebrows frowned as I momentarily froze, taking a second to find what would be the best approach to defuse the situation. He had almost a foot over me, and despite the lack of substantial muscle—he still was quite imposing.

"Cat got your tongue or what?!" he provoked.

"Hey what's happening?!" König's strained voice reached through the intercom.

However, he wasn't as imposing as someone else I had faced—and won against. König's voice gave me the boost of courage I didn't know I needed to raise my hand to the man's collar. Right before my fingers could latch on it though, another male voice suddenly surged from the darkness.

"That's where you've been hiding, you punk!"

Over the boor shoulder, I recognized the security guard from earlier; even within the nightclub's limbos, his sunglasses made him unmistakable. I don't know how I pulled it off, but I regained my act back together in less time than it took me to think about it.

"It's him! Please, help me!" I pleaded loudly, voluntarily taking a high pitch voice for effect.

White shirt guy's attention shifted completely from me; his head swiveled between me and the approaching guard so in sync with the beat it looked intentional.

"Sir, I'll ask you to leave only once."

"Who the hell do you think you think you are?!" the drunk man yelled, growing even more agitated. The guard assessed him—though his eyes were still hidden behind the blinds of his sunglasses—and he reached for his radio button nonchalantly.

"I'll need some renfort in the back, we have a touchy guy situation again."

"What the hell?! I've done nothing, she's full of shit!" the drunk man accused, further undermining his case while I stood next to him with the best lost puppy expression I could muster.

"Oddly enough, she wasn't the one blocking you in a dark corner" the guard argued, trying to keep his composure; but his voice betrayed a clear irritation as he added:

"Miss, go. We'll take care of him."

The drunk man tried to catch me when I happily excused myself, and one quick look over my shoulder showcased the guard already forcing the asshole against the wall. I raised my middle finger at him, prompting a stream of curses, and finally made my hasty escape.

"I'm fine, I'm almost at the exit," I informed out loud, the music covering my voice from any nearby ears.

A pronounced, relieved sigh and a car door closing sound echoed through the intercom as I was cautiously avoiding another group of people in my path. Poor König—it is in fact not fun being stuck and only able to witness events unfold, even more if they're not working in my favor…

With a battering heart and aching eardrums, I climbed the large staircase two steps at a time. And, as I was right about to reach the last door separating me from freedom—

"Young lady! Your coat!" an employee called out from behind.

Startled, I approached the cloakroom counter with wide eyes. I had no voucher, but entering with Diego must have been enough to pressure the unlucky worker to remember my face. A brief exchange of glances was enough for me to get that, and enough for him to see that I didn't really relish my time here either.

I left my coat draped over my arm and alas stepped outside, feeling way too hot from the rush of adrenaline and excitement to bother putting it on. The furious thumping of my heart made me realize just how much stress I was suppressing down there.

Taking my time to return to the van, partly to avoid appearing suspicious, mostly to calm myself; I breathed in the crisp night air. Despite the chilly weather, it felt refreshing and helped smoothen out all remnant exhilaration.

My hand gripped the handle to swing open the passenger door and I slumped into my seat without an ounce of grace. Utterly drained from the whirlwind of emotions, I was above all relieved everything was finally over. This mission, like Prissi, was now officially a successful act of the past.

As König turned the keys to ignite the engine, I catched a faint scent of tobacco as it wafted through the car. Odd, did I… ever see him smoke before?

We drove away from the nightclub, and eventually my breath steadied itself. Buckling up, I noticed my sleeves exactly where I'd left them—on the dashboard, causing my lips to curl upward. After removing my wireless earpiece as the rest of the intercom from my bra, I stowed them away in the glove box in silence and observed König driving. After a short while, I broke the quietude.

"Aren't you going to say something? Like, how I was right, for example?" I bragged.

While driving, he only casted a sidelong glance with those cold, sharp eyes of his; giving just enough to cut and slash through my victorious pride. He returned his focus to the road, not even breaking a word, clearly upset about something.

"What? I offer you the greatest intel of all time and you're mad at me?" I questioned, my own annoyance rising. "Is it because I went in without your authorization? At least admit that was the right decision!"

Still silent, he drove along in a somber manner that sparked some concerns. We should already be in the midst of celebrating this huge step forward, or at least engaging in somewhat of a debrief to ease König's preoccupations—

"I've transferred the audios to base; we'll talk about how you got them later. Are you hurt somewhere?"

Well, at least there's the beginning of a debrief, he almost got me worried.

"I'm not, why are y—" yet he cut me off mid sentence, as if he hadn't finished speaking before.

 

"And where did he touch you?"

Chapter 26

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

"What?" I huffed, utterly bewildered. "What do y—" I started, but König interrupted me mid-sentence, again.

"Where did Diego touch you?" he repeated, eyes still fixed on the road, his tone as cold as could be.

"Is this really all you care about right now?!" I scoffed, now pissed at him. His jaw worked under the fabric of his balaclava as he tried to keep his composure, like his worry was justified; as if it had everything to do with the mission and wasn't related at all with him and whatever he was fussing about.

"Answer the question," he insisted just as he stopped the van at a red light. Finally turning his head to me, his gaze was dead serious, unwavering, only fueling my frustration a step further.

"You really want to know?" I fumed, shooting him a dreadful glare as I took his hand from the gear lever to place it on my thigh as high as possible.

"Right. Here. Happy?!"

The ambient darkness coupled with his balaclava clouded his reaction, yet he didn't pull away his hand; he remained immobile, and I eventually perceived a hint of irritation flickering in his squinted eyes as they narrowed to slits.

"Happy? Very." he bluntly snapped.

His fingers tensed, squeezing my covered thigh while our gaze remained locked together like they were waging a battle of their own. For the second time of the night, a vivid flashback of our first encounter hit me by how eerily similar the situations were: us, eying each other, while his firm hand gripped a part of my body. Then it was my shoulder, now it is my thigh.

I couldn't dwell on the thought longer since the red light changed to green in our peripheral vision, giving me a golden opportunity to needle him at least as much as he was getting under my skin.

"Green" I quipped with my insufferable smirk, taunting him to carry on with his little spectacle in the middle of the road.

His gaze persisted for a few more seconds, but he eventually ripped his hand away and drove forward again. As soon as he shifted gears though, his palm immediately returned to my thigh, completely planning to stay there for the whole trip.

My smirk seemed to aggravate him even more, and it was probably making things worse for me, not better: as I glanced at the road, I realized König was steering in a direction entirely opposite from where we were staying.

"Where are you taking us?" I inquired with furrowed eyebrows, but he didn't respond. He only squeezed my flesh again, his fingers dangerously edging toward my inner thigh after each back and forth with the gear level.

There wasn't a soul in the vicinity as we entered what resembled an industrial zone, every warehouse and small factories neatly planted next to each other appearing more vacant and closed up than the last. The van came to a halt in a dim alley behind a tall, nondescript building; the scene offering little more than closed garage doors, a few empty parking lots and a stack of wood pallets resting in a distant corner of this otherwise void space.

I couldn't open my mouth that König had already taken the keys out of the neiman and stepped out of the car, hastily shutting his door behind him.

Well, this doesn't look like a late-night snack stop… Aaaand this idea was definitely thrown out the window as I observed König circling the van to open my door.

"Get out of the car," he commanded, his voice a monotone mask betraying no emotions.

I could only arch an eyebrow at him. It's dark, late, and genuinely freezing out here. If this is not a pit stop to definitely silence me, I don't know what it is.

"Nah, I'm good, thanks," I tried to dismiss casually, sinking deeper into my seat as if it would help me get away from whatever sick plan he had cooked up.

"Get out" he repeated, not backing down.

Damn, just how stubborn can this man be?

Since escape isn't really an option at the moment, I chose to hold my ground too—but only to play as petty as him, not because I might be scared of what he might have in store for me of course…

"I wanted to wait until we got back to the hotel, but you leave me no choice," he scolded as he closed his hands on me, his tone almost getting amused as he hoisted me away from my seat in the blink of an eye. Tossing me over his shoulder, I couldn't retain my squeals of surprise as my center of gravity shifted unexpectedly.

König paid no mind to my protests while he carried me like some sack of potatoes. If anything, he seemed to relish them—his cheekbones rose, his sly eyes squinting like a proud predator bringing its prey home.

"You don't want to play by the rules, fine, but then don't complain when consequences come back to bite you in that fine ass of yours," he lectured with a malicious edge, his palm firmly kneading my butt to further press his point.

"And you have to channel your inner serial killer to teach me a lesson?!" I raged, but my objections fell on deaf ears.

Once at the back of the van, he dropped me to my feet before swiftly opening one of the trunk doors. He looked down at me with that steely gaze of his, the dangerous one capable of melting me within seconds.

"In." he firmly directed, his free hand gesturing towards the van's interior like a doorman of a luxurious hotel would.

Giving him a skeptical look, I eventually peered inside: everything was still conveniently set up to welcome someone (Joseph for example), and keep them detained as long as we saw fit. And I suppose if I'm not going in there willingly, König's hands would ensure I did.

Resignated, I climbed in on my own, at least salvaging what remained of my dignity while a traitorous glint of mischief danced in König's pupils. He followed closely before shutting the door behind him, causing a slight tremor in the vehicle as he moved toward me. Even if the van was on the bigger side of its kind, the confined space still forced him to bend over; for comparison, I could easily reach its roof without so much of a stretch of my arms.

"Kneel."

"Taking it one word at a time now?" I remarked.

He responded with a piercing stare, pointing to the floor with a tilt of his chin as a warning to not make him repeat himself. So, I begrudgingly kneeled on the floor and, after a brief pause where he relished in such a view, he grabbed a rope stored on the side.

"You're really something else, Schatz."

I couldn't immediately register what followed as he dropped a knee to the ground and shoved me against him, my head ending right over his crotch. His body was hot to the touch; I could feel it despite the layer of clothes, despite his outer coldness—his desire was simmering beneath the surface while he maintained both of my wrists within one hand only.

"You managed yourself like a pro, exceeded all my expectations, and yet—" he paused as he tied a knot close, "When you act like a brat, all I can think about is how I'll pound away that attitude of yours."

I shivered as something close to a lightning bolt coursed through me, crashing directly into my lower belly. Once he finished securing my hands behind my back, he withdrew slightly and pinched my chin to ensure my gaze was fixated on his smug mien—he looked quite satisfied, since he had me right where he wanted.

"Now, you're going to be a good girl for me, alright?" he ordered, not asked.

I smirked at him defiantly, well aware of the direction this was heading.

"And what if I don't?" I teased, biting my lower lip as I shamelessly flirted back. We could argue later—whatever's happening right now is definitely more worthy of my attention.

"Well, I'll just have to tame you, mein kätzchen," he declared matter-of-factly as he looked me up and down from his imposing height, taking in every inch of me. His warm hand slid from my chin to my cheek, his thumb rolling over my lower lip as it escaped my teeth.

"And, if you'd ask me… I'd say you shouldn't try to act smart when you're all tied up for me."

"If you'd ask me, I'd say you have some peculiar kinks," I countered with a cheeky smile, completely disregarding his advice, my cheeks already rosy and tingling with anticipation.

König released a deep chuckle as he pulled one of the large metal storage cases from the side to sit on it, lifting me effortlessly onto his lap. My legs straddled either side of him as his hands immediately slipped beneath the fabric of my modified turtleneck to caress my smooth skin.

"You know my sole kink is you, Schatz…" he hissed as he brought his face in the crook of my neck, inhaling my scent with an urgent, prolonged breath. "You're going to be the death of me, 'cause I'd rather be on the floor begging for you than to have you back there within Diego's—or anyone else's—reach…" he confessed next to my ear, his digits now leisurely trailing to my back.

"König…" I only managed to exhale, my body temperature rising at the same pace his hands got to the straps of my bra and deftly detached it like he had done it all his life. My heart felt like it was melting as all my senses were saturated by König—his musk, his presence, the sensations of his crotch pressing against me…

He swiftly lifted up his balaclava over his mouth before cupping one of my breasts, angling his head down to lick the other. As he nibbled my hard nipple, his other hand gripped on my lumbar strongly so I wouldn't fall backward.

König growled as my thighs tightened around him, my back arching under the excitement. His hand twitched on my spine before yanking me even closer, his other palm rising from my chest to cradle the back of my head, gently drawing it nearer so our lips could meet in a soft peacemaking kiss. Perhaps I was reading too much into it, but the overwhelming tenderness he used prevented me from interpreting it as anything else.

He effortlessly parted my mouth open and slipped his tongue to dance with mine, the kiss deepening as he tilted my head until the perfect angle was reached. While the hand on my back had now gone to massage my ass, I couldn't help the little jerks of my hips against the hard bump in his pants, aiming to satiate my growing hunger by generating some friction. As I moaned into the kiss, I suddenly broke from it in a hurry as I felt my excitement dangerously bubbling downward.

"You won, just fuck me now, please…!"

"Pleading? Careful, I might get used to it, Liebling..."

As he saw the mixture of arousal and frustration of not being able to touch him printed on my face, König's dilated pupils glowed with newfounded lust. His thumb brushed my cheek briefly before he lifted me from his lap, delicately placing me on the ground right in between his legs.

"Be a good girl for me then, Schatz. Show me how bad you want it…"

I had nothing to reply as I stared at him freeing his growing envy: it beckoned, imploring for my attention. Summoning me with only one twitch, I approached my lips to his raised cock and gave a soft peck on the tip, eliciting a rasp growl over my head. I parted my lips and started licking him, letting my tongue taste his salty precum first. König's hand slightly shivered before it found my head again, to which he cautiously grabbed my hair in his fist so it wouldn't get in the way.

As I continued to use my tongue, I felt aroused just from watching him enjoy every second of my attention. I swirled my tongue around his length, then gave a slow lick on the under part of its head before closing my lips around it.

"Mein Güte..." he mouthed as his breath grew heavier, looking at me with dripping desire. He grabbed the edge of the box with his free hand, trying to keep a tightrope eagerness under control as if it was ready to fall off any moment.
König couldn't resist giving in a few soft moans as I pressed my lips up then down his length with the rhythmic bobs of my head. It made me feel powerful in a way, enjoying how this man would still yield under my influence whereas he could take total control over my body in less than a second if he wanted to, even when not tied up.

The power play was exhilarating; akin to two flames playing together, growing, then giving space for the other before merging in a bigger one, only to separate again, and again, and again… His knuckles grew white each time I tried to take him entirely—though I still hadn't reached that achievement yet, as much as I tried to relax my jaw to numbness almost. My eyes watered slightly until a small tear formed and washed away some mascara, leaving behind a gray trail as it rolled down my cheek.

I pulled my head back a bit, just enough so I could steal a glimpse of him. He appeared so worked up when our eyes locked together that I couldn't help a little tease: I opened my mouth and, with an aching, deliberate slowness, I licked his length all the way down, desperate for him to crack already. His whole body tensed as my tongue pressed against the underside of his cock while I leveled my head back up, his eyes never leaving mine as a drop of saliva escaped my mouth and drooled to my chin.

There it was, the reward for my efforts: his smoldering gaze darkened, as if he had just succumbed into sinful territories.

König dropped my hair to cup my cheek, wiping the black tear away with a delicate brush of his thumb. His jaw ticked, then his Adam's apple moved as he swallowed hard, gazing at me with such an unquenchable thirst it felt like he had just found the oasis he always longed for.

"Those bedroom eyes of yours… —verdammt, you really want me to pin you down right here, don't you?" he breathed, his raspy voice echoing against the metallic walls of the vehicle.

"I would love that," I admitted through swollen lips, my voice strumming in such a needy tone I didn't recognize myself at first. I cleared my throat as I steadied my stance without the help of my hands, leaning even more into his hot, welcoming palm. I couldn't care less this man got me to my knees—as long as it's only him, I'll be able to live with that.

"Do you trust me enough to let yourself be then?" he probed, the smirk playing on his scarred lips eliciting a wave of goosebumps. The bad omens it carried would petrify anyone—heck, even I had a hard time breathing for a second.

"Of course" I assured playfully while the fire in between my legs grew more unbearable.
"What's on your mind?"

"Only something I've been wanting to try for a moment…" he replied hungrily as he stepped away from the storage box.

After guiding me on my back, he proceeded to take one of my shoes off before unbuttoning my jeans. I exhaled a broken chuckle as I felt his big hands undressing me in less time than I could realize he was doing it on one side only.

"See, I knew you had some weird kin—Aaah!!"

I couldn't finish my sentence since he had gripped my hips to lift me up from the floor again, my body this time ending completely upside down as a result. Tilting my head upward, the view of my one covered and one naked legs wrapped around König's neck left me completely speechless. As he strongly held my body against him, the feeling of his burning tongue meeting my wet fold made my head jerk back down, the release of pleasure so strong I abandoned myself completely at his mercy. My head at least found some kind of a resting place against one of his large thighs as he started eating me out in this acrobatics position, firmly maintaining my hips so my pussy was right at his mouth.

While his tongue lavished my core of his expert attention, one of his hands had lurked up to enclose my wet folds with his digits. My own hands tried to find some kind of support in a reflex, only to be painfully remembered they're still bound together.

Even if König handled the most of my weight, the reverse position had me exhale ragged moans after huffed whines, every breath jerking my body in a way it involuntarily pushed my cunt even more against his mouth.

"König—! I—I'm…!" I whimpered, feeling all the build up pleasure already getting on the verge of a never ending precipice, edging, trying to keep its balance… Only to break like a dam, flooding my whole body with infinite bliss.

König wouldn't stop licking, milking my climax with a strategic slowness: his tongue would lightly brush against my entrance up to my clit, always finishing its course by capturing my swollen bulb with his lips to suck it slightly. He did it once, twice, thrice, again and again, so much that I lost count. It was as if my orgasm couldn't reach its conclusions, every lap of his tongue sending lingering jolts of carnal pleasure. I would moan, then squirm, now whining from sensations as pleasurable as they became unbearable, causing my legs to tremble from overstimulation.

"K— König— I'm going to break—!"

My back arched on its own while my thighs squished König's face when I felt his teeth grazing my clit, biting it gently before sucking it again.

"As I said, du bringst mir noch den Tod..." he heaved thickly against my cunt before slowly letting me down, his arms securing my body on top of the storage case. I shivered when my skin made contact with the ice cold metal, then jolted a second time when König's digits were quick to find my wetness and sank into it, indulging me, stretching me with a godly delight. His lips on the other hand took their time to travel from my neck to my tits, grazing my skin all the way down with mouth open kisses. They eventually found their place back in between my thighs, his free hand effortlessly keeping them spreaded for him.

His worship of my body graced me with infinite waves of pleasure, each and every one prompted by a movement of his tongue or with a back and forth of his fingers. As my thighs would quiver in futiles attempts to close themselves, my nails dug into my palms and my eyes rolled back in sweet distress. My moans and whines were a melody to König's ear, his digits and his never-ending flicks of tongue avering him as the undisputed bandmaster of my body.

"You can take it Schatz, show me that sweet face I crave so much…" he praised, his lips moving over my clit before resuming the expert play of his tongue. I moaned louder as his fingers quickened their pace, the tension he had already built back coiling tightly in my lower abdomen.

I could only pant out his name, his relentless torment so deliciously right aimed at the quivering knot inside of me it eventually exploded a second time into fireworks, nirvana crackling through every cell of my being. My back arched and my walls pulsed around König's finger while he slowed down his movements, then drew small circles on my clit as he watched with delight the mess he was responsible for.

As my muscles slowly untensed from the overwhelming release, König let out a satisfied sigh before planting sloppy kisses on my inner thighs. His lips then slowly traveled to my navel while his calloused hands softly brushed the skin of my under thighs upward. I couldn't help the slight tremors of my legs as the back of my knees were now resting on his chiseled hips, feeling his raw cock sliding on my slick folds just before his mouth caught mine in a hot, wet kiss. My taste lingered as he kept my lower lips in between his teeth, my numb arms aching from being denied the right to wrap themselves around him. I just had to feel his rock-hard length as it dragged along my slippery core, rubbing my clit with bearable, pleasant, relieving aftermaths.

"Look at me…" he mouthed, his lips brushing over mine. I forced my eyes open and locked my focus into his intense gaze.

"You're my treasure, mein Schatz, your pussy is mine to fuck—Gott, can you feel how crazy you drive me?" he growled with a husky voice as he pinned his thighs even more downward, stroking his hard dick on my sensitive pussy. I felt as it throb against my wetness, causing my insides to clamp around nothing as a natural response.

"What are you waiting for then…?" I asked back, eyelids fluttering as I fought to keep them open. My mind was completely fogged, almost able to forget the facts that we were in the back of a van; that I was laying on a metal box, legs in the air; that the mission was technically not over; ah—and that my hands are still tied in my back.

"No, not here… The moment I'll be into you I'll never be able to stop, Schatz" he whispered in the shell of my ear before his teeth sinked into the delicate skin of my neck, probably leaving the first marks of a long series to come.

Clinging to the last bits of resolve he had left, he pulled back from my body and buried his cock back into his pants. He handled me with care, diligently dressing me back while I was still far, far up on cloud nine. After he had placed me sideways on the floor, I waited for him to untie my hands—yet, instead, the van shook as a door quickly opened and closed.

Fighting the grogginess taking over me, I forced my eyes open again, only to hear König as he sat behind the wheel and started the engine like nothing ever happened.

"What the… König?!" I called out, utterly confused as to why he wasn't in the trunk with me anymore—or at least to why I wasn't with him in the front! Did I just faint or something??

"Yeah?" he casually replied, driving his merry way out of wherever he parked us earlier. His nonchalance completely boggled me—what the hell is going on?!

"What are you doing?" I hesitantly asked as I tried to get on my knees, my tone betraying the cocktail of emotion stirring inside of me.

"Going back to the hotel, why you ask?" he questioned back, the amusement in his tone completely implying he was actually messing with me.

"Why am I still in the fucking trunk then?!" I snapped, even though it came more as a plea than I would have liked to.

He burst out of laughter and activated his indicator before turning cautiously at a crossroad, perhaps so that it wouldn't shake too much in the back.

"Because! You're like my little prisoner…" he teased with glee,

 

"...and this long night of ruthless interrogation has just begun, Schatz."

Notes:

Credit for the reverse, acrobatical, what-the-fuckity-fuck cunnilingus position totally inspired by this @la_bordeliere masterpiece ❤️

Chapter Text

Everything felt hazy, mushy, warm… The dim morning light filtered through the thin curtains of the hotel room, casting a gentle glow as dust particles danced their way down in front of the soft rays. A sturdy arm encircled me at the waist, holding me close to the comforting body it belonged to, while faint, steady breaths brushed against the nape of my neck.

There was no better place in the world to be; even if the mattress was a bit subpar, it still was the perfect atmosphere to wake into.

And, surprisingly, I wasn't even feeling sore.

Despite König's promise of a ruthless night back in the van, it turned out to be nothing but soft and slow. I felt so cherished, so pampered, it came out challenging to extricate myself from his embrace to take a quick shower afterwards. He showered me with love and kisses—god, so many kisses... It's been a hot moment since I've stopped counting the hickeys König would leave on my body, yet I could only notice how I had a new flock of them last night as soon as I entered the bathroom. At least he was considerate enough not to leave them in overly conspicuous places like my neck, only focusing on my collar bone area or even my cleavage; our relationship was our business after all.

As time passed, König gradually revealed himself more and more as a big papa bear kind of lover. It was impossible not to succumb to his tender side, especially when it resulted in me feeling more loved than I ever was before.

And as with every night spent with him, I awoke before him, and just like every time, I chose to stay put and relish the moment rather than spoil it by slipping away. However, what I anticipate the most is the ritual that unfailingly follows, what has become my sacred routine. As I sensed him waking up behind me, I could predict each step without a doubt.

It commenced with a subtle adjustment of his pelvis behind me as he stretched his legs slightly... Check.

Next, he would embrace me a bit tighter against him. And... Check again.

His head would then nestle into my neck in about… now. As always, he took a gentle inhale, as if my scent would provide a boost to kickstart his day on a good note.

Finally, he would conclude with a delicate kiss, and today it landed... —right below my ear. His lips brushed my skin with a feather-light sensitivity, while his burgeoning stubble provided a contrasting, rough sensation which I craved as much as the first one.

To witness him gradually awaken with these familiar habits that I learned to expect felt akin to a holy verse. His kiss was invariably the cherry on top; it made each morning into something to look forward to, especially on days that we knew they couldn't be spent together.

What follows usually depends on the time and energy we have, but what transpires before... I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world.

Anyway, today would unfold with König rising ever so softly before discreetly leaving the room. I contemplated the idea of lingering in bed a bit longer, still feeling groggy from the cocktail of emotions the previous day had dished out; a mix of raw adrenaline from the mission, then sheer lust that occurred in a van in the middle of nowhere, to finish with the purest exchange of affection before drifting into sleep... Yep, I believe I've earned my fair share of rest.

However, after a moment, a subtle sweet scent wafted into my nostrils, pushing my eyes open.

Hmm... Baking...

The vanilla aroma triggered old memories of times when I'd assist with baking; I could almost see the flour floating in the air, feel the warmth emanating from the oven…

As this was motivation enough, I rose up and quickly slipped into one of König's sweaters, already finding a new haven after relinquishing the cozy confines of our shared sheets.

Silently, I made my way to the bedroom door and peeked through: König had his back turned to me while preparing something in the kitchenette—which still smelled irresistibly enticing, just like the person producing it. Seeing his brown hair peeking at the top of his mask brought a smile to my face; I love when he wears the open-top ones, because it means I'll be able to feel his soft locks whenever they'd come close enough to my fingers.

On my tiptoes, I approached the counter behind him, observing as he cooked some dough in a buttered pan. The aroma was exquisite, mirroring the delightful sight: he chose not to garnish anything at the top—all for the pleasure of my eyes. The bare expanse of his back stretched slightly as he skillfully handled his utensils; the raw power emanating from his frame at complete odds with the smoothness of his controlled movements. And those lower back dimples of his, damn… I had to bite my lower lip to refrain from closing my hands on that slutty waist of his. Frankly, given his size in this petite space, he really resembled a parent playing chef in a child-sized toy kitchen. Makes me wonder what kind of father König would be…

"Did you sleep well, Schatz?" he asked without turning around, continuing on his task nonchalantly.

I flinched, surprised he could even perceive my presence behind him. His sharp senses are truly unsettling sometimes.

"And here I thought I was being discreet…"

"You were, but wouldn't I be a poor operator if I didn't hear you coming?" König reassured, his audible grin evident.

"You have a point," I chuckled, closing the distance between us. "And you don't seem to be a poor cook either if I can trust the smell of what you are cooking, which is…?"

"Some Kaiserschmarrn," he replied, tilting the pan slowly before breaking the cooked dough in it with a fork.

Perplexed, I took a stab at repeating the dish's name.

"Kaiser-shmoan?"

König's shoulders shook at my feeble attempt, holding back from crackling a laugh. He glanced my way before tousling the hair at the top of my head with an endearing look.

"Kaiserschmarrn," he corrected, his tone content before he resumed the gentle stirring. "It's an Austrian dish, similar to pancakes—quite easy to make and delicious as well. My mother used to make some for me on days I had to pass a test at school."

"Oh, I didn't know you were a smartass mama's boy," I teased, drawing a knowing chuckle from him.

"I wasn't; that's probably why she tried to motivate me with sweets I guess," he confessed.

The revelation prompted our eyes to meet, then made the both of us giggle like children. Shifting slightly from my position, I slipped under his arm to warp both of mine around him from his side and took a better look at what he was doing. After ladling some batter into the pan, he'd let it cook just enough before breaking it; somewhat like you would with scrambled eggs. Though the result looked puffier than pancakes would.

"So, I guess you're making me some because... I aced last night's mission?" I ventured, subtly bringing up the events of last night on the table.

"Hmm… Yes, but that's not the only reason," he nodded as he flipped some pieces of cooked dough. "It's also to offer an apology."

Shifting my gaze from the pan to his masked face, I tried to discern hints of his thoughts beyond just his words or tone. His focus remained on his task, and he appeared serious as he continued speaking.

"I was too overbearing. I tried to shield you from any danger at all costs, even though I should've just let you do your job. I brought you along to work as a team after all," he explained, his tone gentle and apologetic, before he eventually planted his gaze into mine.

"I care about you, Schatz, very much," he added as his hand found my cheek, cradling it softly, "but I'm also sorry I've let my fears blind me like that."

My cheeks flushed, and a blush now threatened to spread as I felt how his hand would cup all the side of my face. It was a small gesture, such a simple thing to do, yet it never failed to make me sway.

But he's right; it was out of character for him to be so driven by emotions over rationality. To be honest, I never thought I'd ever get to see that side of him. Yet, I couldn't help but be touched by his words… And the first thing that crossed my mind rolled off my lips without me realizing.

"Does that mean we won't be able to work together anymore?"

His finger twitched slightly on my cheek before a light chuckle escaped him.

"Of course not, silly. I'm not going to forbid you from working with me just for that," he clarified, his tone affectionate as he brushed his thumb along my cheekbone. "Not that you would let me anyway;" he chided, pinching my cheek with his thumb and forefinger. "You've proven you can be a little rascal anytime you don't have it your way."

"Hey!" I snapped, though I didn't attempt to contradict him since he kinda spoke the truth. And even if I wanted to say something, I wouldn't have been able to: his hands suddenly grabbed my hood and tugged it over my head, completely enclosing me in it as he pulled the cords tight.

"You!!—Don't take advantage of your height to bully me, I've already kicked your ass once!" I protested while attempting to undo the hood of my head, causing yet another laugh out of König.

"Oh god, I'm so scared," he teased mischievously while the sound of his repeated stirring reached my ears.

Finally managing to extricate myself from König's disloyal trap, he resumed talking like I wasn't on the verge of challenging him to settle scores with a duel; probably aiming to finish with the latter subject so it could come to a close.

"Anyway, that's a 'me' problem, so that's on me to work on, don't worry."

I exhaled a quick breath through my nose and declared forfeit, as I couldn't help cracking a smile at him. König finished with his cooking while I stayed clamped by his side, observing as he shoved the last cooked scrambles into the two plates next to the stove before sprinkling their content with icing sugar. One plate was noticeably more furnished than the other, and it wasn't difficult to guess for whom it was intended.

As he brought the plates to the table, I followed behind with two cups and the pot of coffee he had also prepared. We sat, and König patiently waited for me to take the first bite. So, I happily  did—I picked a forkful of the cooked dough and tasted it. It felt sweet, soft, airy—in fact, just like a cloud would be in my mind.

"Hmmm!!! That's so good!" I exclaimed right after swallowing, eyes sparkling with delight. "Who knew you were so husband material? Reward me like that after each mission and I'll put a ring on that finger!"

It started as a small joke—but then why do I feel like I meant it so much? I chuckled at my own comment, realizing how doomed I was—there's nothing he can't do, he's perfect, as if... What could be called 'bad sides' were completely irrelevant in my eyes. Heck, they're even complimenting his charms to make matters worse; he's stubborn, overly perfectionist, and now I know he can be jealous (and possibly possessive?). But then, why the fuck am I liking those sides as much, if not more, as the others?

Is this…?

"Because I managed to cook breakfast doesn't mean I'm a grand chef," he retorted with a chuckle, the sound of his voice brutally cutting me off my inner monologue. The genuine smile playing up to his blue iris revealed just how happy he was as he observed me devour his creation with such enthusiasm I wouldn't be offended if he'd compare me to a hungry gremlin at this point.

"Don't sell your skills short, I'm sure you are," I complimented before taking yet another bite, attempting to drown out my tumultuous thoughts before they'd be the ones eating me up.

"Of course I am. Never said I wasn't," he shrugged before picking up his fork to dig into his own, significantly more substantial portion.

"You sassy little…" I huffed while rolling my eyes to the ceiling.

"God I'm glad everything went alright yesterday, or else I would have missed that adorable pout of yours" he teased.

I finished chewing my mouthful and swallowed the sweet mush before replying.

"But I wasn't caught! And even if I had been, I know how to defend myself," I affirmed with a confident smile as I puffed my chest out and raised my chin up.

"I know you can, that's actually one of the things I love the most about you," he admitted as he brought his fork under his mask again, brushing my bare feet under the table with his own to warm them up.

I felt my cheeks dangerously heat up as his words sank in. 'Love' had never crossed our lips when discussing about each other before; and even if this wasn't the first official 'I love you' of our relationship, it felt pretty much the same. Being romantically involved with someone is complicated enough, but working in our field only adds another layer of complexity—like how each word can weigh a ton more than you'd expect.

Still sitting in front of me, his feet still gently caressing mine, König continued on his momentum as if we hadn't just reached a new milestone.

"If it had only been about the nightclub..." he paused as he made a small noise of discontentment, "—I would have let you go in with Diego. It still would have cost me, but the Shadow people… They weren't supposed to be a part of the equation when I asked you to come work with me."

He paused again, his gaze shifting from his plate to lock with mine. Ok, I get it, this is going to be a serious conversation, he has the look of someone about to delve into weighty matters.

"Shadow leads a terrible organization, and you already know that since he's built their reputation to be... ominous enough" he started while slightly waving his fork around mindlessly, and I listened intently as I chewed on my breakfast.

"But I've also heard about their means to achieve their ends, how they're literally limitless when it comes to methods. I'd never forgive myself if they ever got hold of you."

As the conversation took a more work-oriented direction, questions naturally popped in my head.

"They're using torture, as in, actual torture?"

König took another forkful of food before answering, some concern lying behind his mask.

“They have a wide range of processes," he explained, his voice calm and composed. “Some physical, others psychological… But mostly, it's the emotional ones they rely on."

We exchanged a glance, and the furrows forming on my forehead prompted König to offer more details.

"They know where to press; bluffing with them is impossible, they're always two moves ahead. Secrets are their currency, that's how they get things done."

"By 'currency', you mean you give them secrets so they leave you alone?"

"That, or providing a service so they're the one keeping their mouths shut. Ever wondered why the local authorities don't even attempt to arrest them?" he continued, his steady voice taking the air of a professor conducting an impromptu interrogation.

"They're corrupted not with dirty money but because the Shadow has leverage on them?"

"Exactly" he praised, a soft smile reflecting in his eyes, and he delved even further into the matter.

An irrelevant sheriff had multiple affairs, facing the risk of losing everything in a divorce if the news came to his wife's ears—so he'd deflect any actions taken to arrest them;
A politician from a nearby state had embezzled tax money, and exposure on that matter would ruin any chances of a reelection—so he'd turn a blind eye on particular citizens complaints;
A forensic doctor had messed up an operation when he was a young surgeon due to being under the influence, which meant facing heavy tribunal consequences—so he'll gracefully lie about causes of death if asked to.

The list seemed endless, all thanks to König's efforts through his journey on dismantling this terrible organization. However, he had never found a direct trace to the Shadow, the supreme leader of this criminal organization—which meant the intel we gathered yesterday wasn't just gold; it was the purest of diamonds.

As he recounted the details of his past missions, I slowly understood why he was so adamant to shield me away from even one of them. The depths they went to get where they are now are truly gut-wrenching—abductions, ransom demands, sending dead pets via mail, burning down houses and businesses, planting bombs, desecrating tombs... Attacking reprehensible people is one thing, but their willingness to also target children and elders without discrimination proved they're capable of anything.

Their infamous reputation was, indeed, entirely justified.

Armed with this mass of very confidential information, I wouldn't have been so frustrated about our inaction over the past few days… Damn—even if I managed to get the much-needed intel without a scratch, a lingering sense of guilt gnawed at me; what I did was in fact truly, undeniably, absolutely reckless.

In the midst of a brief silence, I surveyed our empty plates, realizing we talked so much I even had time to sip on a second coffee. As I lifted my gaze to meet König's, I took a moment to scrutinize every detail I could discern of his face through the holes of his mask, like that little mole under his eye I like to kiss so much. It's crazy how he appears younger without the grease paint, or perhaps that's what makes him look older.

I brushed my feet lightly against his, and the feel of our skin touching brought a subtle sting in my heart—an uncomfortable reminder that such simple gestures would have been out of reach if anything had gone awry last night. König observed my sudden closed expression with some concerns, yet chose to wait patiently as I gathered my thoughts.

Taking his big hand in mine, I planted my gaze in his earnestly.

"Okay, let's make a deal," I declared, summoning a raised eyebrow across the table.

"Include me more in the planning of future missions and, in return, I promise to be my most well-behaved self when following your directions. It'll be easier to work together if we're not keeping secrets from each other, don't you think?"

His finger twitched a little in my palm, but he quickly gave me a nod of approval as his calves gently enclosed my legs under the table.

"That's fair; your voice should carry more weight when you're involved in such operations."

"So we've got a deal?" I asked with a smile, even though I could already sense the affirmative answer.

König tenderly brought my hand under his hood so he could place a delicate kiss on the back of it.

 

"Deal. Gott, I'm so lucky to have you by my side, Schatz."

Chapter Text

Upon our return on base in the early afternoon, we delved into an extensive debriefing session where we meticulously reviewed the intel gathered from our covert mission in the nightclub. By replaying the audio recordings, we could easily pinpoint most of the exact times and location of each step of the much anticipated delivery. The remainder of the meeting revolved around crafting strategies to intervene and ensure that Shadow would soon find himself securely locked behind bars, where he rightfully belonged.

To my own surprise, König highlighted me with a bunch of well-placed praise, acknowledging the initiatives and capacities I had demonstrated during my little spy calling. It was genuinely touching, and far more satisfying than a stolen 'you were right' admission.

As the reunion finally drew to a close, we received congratulations for our efforts and were instructed to stay alert, given that we had a week to prepare for the next major dismantling operation to follow.

By the time we entered the mess hall for a bite, the sun had nearly settled behind the horizon. While walking in, I noticed several operators going the opposite way to leave. Although they saw us entering together, no comments were made; instead, they were quick to invite us to join them for food and drinks at a charming karaoke bar close to base.

"Count me in!" I eagerly agreed, "just give me a moment to change and I'll be right back."

It had been a while since I had spent time off-base with my colleagues, so it seemed like the perfect plan to unwind after such an eventful mission. Turning toward König, I belatedly realized he was likely going to decline; but, and without a hint of a second thought, he replied,

"I'll join too then."

A brief silence settled in, one where everyone appeared as shocked as me. König almost never takes part in gatherings like those, 'never' being an absolute constant when they occur out of base. Horangi, who was among those planning to go out, shot me a knowing 'I-told-you-so' look that was hard to ignore—even from behind his opaque sunglasses.

"Perfect! The more, the merrier! We'll wait for you here then," Nikto chimed in casually, swiftly cutting short the awkwardness before it could settle in. The other began to smile, probably feeling fortunate to finally get to hang out with the infamous 'ice-cold' operator of KorTac.

And with that, we quickly separated from the group to head to our personal quarters. After a quick shower in the commons, I slipped into fresh civilian clothes and returned to my room. The resemblance to what I wore in the nightclub was there, since I was still donning black jeans and was now searching for my laced boots; although, I traded the sleeveless turtleneck for a cute sweater much more suited to the current temperatures. I even applied a bit of makeup, completely aware my motivation stemmed solely from König's attendance.

Right when I was about to finish, someone knocked on my door before calling for me.

"You're ready, Schatz?" König's voice resonated behind my door, already sparkling excitement in my heart, making it pump faster as a result. I hastily grabbed my jacket and threw it on as I went to the door.

"Coming!"

As I opened the door, I was pleasantly surprised to meet with a civilian version of König as well: clad in dark fabric, he wore a simple black hoodie while a lone balaclava hugged his face. No mask, no grease paint—only his two droopy orbs for me to see. Despite the faint shadow cast by his raised hood, it didn't obscure the rare sight of his bare, mesmerizing gaze, making me instantly notice how his eyes widened as soon as they landed on me.

We stared at each other for a moment, taking each other in. I could sense the surprise in his pupils, along with other emotions hard to pinpoint. His gaze lingered on my lips and his jaw opened, then closed again, as if he wanted to say something. Before any word could escape him though, he cleared his throat, almost resembling a shy teenager about to ask me to prom.

"You look beautiful" he confessed in a near-whisper, and his palm softly grabbed my waist to pull me closer to him.

My cheeks tingled as I muttered a quiet "thank you," quickly followed by a small grin as my hands instinctively found their place on his broad chest. "You're not bad yourself."

He released a soft sigh while his free hand got to the back of my head, gently guiding me toward him so he could plant a kiss on my forehead through his balaclava. I couldn't help but to emit a slight purr of appreciation at the contact. As his aftershave slowly wafted its way to my nostrils, his fingers trailed to my chin and delicately tilted my head up so to align our faces.

"I'll make some room for your stuff at my place," he offered, his expression warm and loving. "It'd be easier for you that way, don't you think?"

I grinned and, after stealing a quick glance left and right to ensure no one was still around, I got on my tiptoes to wrap my arms around his neck. As I locked them in place, he bent down slightly to accommodate me.

"Or, you can be honest and say it's because you missed me already" I teased, feeling as his arms enveloped my lower back and thighs before lifting me up against him.

"Guilty as charged…" he whispered with a playful glint, his gaze betraying an underlying truth.

Unable to resist the temptation with our noses so close, I gave him a bunny kiss along with a chuckle. One of my legs even mindlessly bent in the air, now making me feel like the teenage one here.

After that sweet interlude of oozing affection—which easily rivaled with any romantic Christmas B-movie, we rejoined our colleagues and we all headed to the parking lot. A short drive later, we managed to get everyone seated at the biggest table available; and it became evident the place was a familiar haunt for the group when the owners came to greet us all with the first round of beers.

Everyone seemed curious about König's presence as their eyes tried to discreetly probe him; yet, no one dared to broach the subject—at least while sober I guessed. König maintained his role as the quiet observer, watching others talk and drink. While he mostly remained silent, his expressions subtly changed throughout the night: he tensed when we entered the place; but, as luck would have it, it wasn't that crowded for a Sunday night, allowing him to gradually relax. His eyebrows were now slightly raised while his eyes scanned the bar, absorbing every detail in what I could easily identify as an occupational hazard.

Whenever our eyes met, his gaze would light up and I'd feel a gentle squeeze on my thigh to conclude the silent interaction. I would also sometimes catch as he'd take a sip of his drink through a straw—a sight so endearing it required every ounce of my willpower not to shamelessly stare. And while the drinks were gradually taking an effect on me, I could barely see any changes on König's side, his demeanor remaining as composed as ever.

Following his line of sight, I observed as Nikto, arm in arm with Horangi, were both singing their lungs out in the small karaoke area, as if on a mission to torture the poor microphone. We all enjoyed the spectacle from the comfort of our table until the music changed: the first notes of Careless Whisper by George Michael followed suit, causing me to nearly jump in my seat in a reflex.

"Oh my god, I love this song!" I blurted out, earning looks from my colleagues that resembled hungry hyenas finally finding something to eat.

They insisted for me to take the stage; yet I resisted, way too self-conscious to perform in front of the entire bar. As they saw I wouldn't budge from my seat—since I was literally gripping it like a lifeline, another soldier graciously took the spotlight. While he passionately belted out the lyrics scrolling on the teleprompter, I silently mouthed along and observed the amusement of those around us. He even showed us his back to mimic a slow dance, eliciting chuckles and cheers from our table.

Suddenly, I felt another gentle squeeze on my thigh before König discreetly leaned my way to whisper something directly into my ear.

"You should go, I'd love to hear you sing…" he coaxed, but I vehemently shook my head left and right as my cheeks flushed from his touch only. The idea of him watching me sing was enough to make me crumble; and with the drinks I had, I knew myself well enough to be certain I'd be heading straight into a recipe for disaster.

After the second chorus ended and the saxophone made its strong return, our group's improvised singer unexpectedly came back to hand me the microphone for the final lines. I shook my hand as I tried to protest again, but to my (and everyone else's) surprise, König took the microphone before grabbing my hand with his. He then stood up and led the both of us towards the singing booth, his imposing silhouette instantly capturing the attention of every eye in the bar.

As I glanced over my shoulder, I saw as everyone at our table was giving enthusiastic thumbs up our way. They knew exactly what they were doing when they pushed me into singing, and the fact that König would be by my side surely made the whole thing even more exciting to watch. I was so dumbfounded by the unrealistic turn of events that all my protests died before they could even materialize.

And, as the bridge hit, König began to sing, his silvery voice having my head whipping back his way.

"Tonight the music seems so loud, I wish that we could lose this crowd…" his voice resonated through the speakers, his accent almost imperceptible.

It felt like the whole room around us vanished as he turned around and lowered himself so we could share the mic.

"Maybe it's better this way, we'd hurt each other with the things we'd want to say!" we both sang along, the euphoria evident in my near-screaming rendition.

In one swift move, König's arm slid under me and effortlessly lifted me to his height so he wouldn't have to bend over for the rest of the song. I didn't even flinch, as I was now getting accustomed to his impromptu handling; yet, his gesture obviously prompted a surge of gasps and whistles from our audience. With my hand on his shoulder while the other gripped the mic over his, we continued singing, our eyes locking together in an intimate exchange.

"And I'm never gonna dance again, guilty feet have got no rhythm…" König's voice seamlessly intertwined with mine, his deeper, more emotional tone carrying the lyrics. It felt sincere, like he genuinely wanted to share this moment with me. Time seemingly stretched itself, cocooning the two of us in a bubble from the rest of the world.

I sang the last lines of the outro alone, König being too occupied contemplating me with a gaze so full of adoration that I managed to steal the mic for myself. A smile played on his covered lips as his cheekbones were locked in an up position, making my heart swell, ready to burst out of my chest. When the final words went past my vocal cords and the instrumental took over, I turned to him while grinning from ear to ear, my cheeks undoubtedly rosy from the mix of strong emotions.

"You're crazy, you know that?" I whispered in between breaths, ensuring the mic was away from our mouths as I spoke.

With the song reaching its conclusion, the room erupted in applause, whistles and loud cheers. König's gaze remained intense, focusing solely on me, rendering the surrounding sounds into incomprehensible blurs.

He pulled me a little closer as we shared a lingering stare, the warmth of our bodies radiating through our embrace. The dim lighting of the bar gleamed into his magnificent blue irises, the sight akin to an ethereal vision.

"You make me want to do crazy things, Schatz" he corrected softly, his breath brushing slightly against my lips as he spoke.

That's it. There's no denying it now, I fucking love this man with every fiber of my being.

Amidst the applause and cheers from the crowd, reality crashed back in when a unified chant coming from our table filled my ears.

"The kiss! The kiss! The kiss!"

I couldn't shoot them a glare that the ovation got thunderously louder: König placed a soft kiss on my cheek through the balaclava, his lips feather-light against my burning skin. Reluctantly, he guided me back down and I slowly slipped from his embrace, my legs feeling a bit weak, though my heart felt stronger than ever.

König secured a reassuring hand on the small of my back as he guided us back to our table, where everyone's attention was fixed on the undeniable complicity brewing between us. Some operators eyed us with a touch of envy, while the other shared a knowing expression. My cheeks surely showcased a shade between a pinkish and crimson red at this point, yet it couldn't compete against the incriminating smile curling my lips upwards.

Excitement was bubbling on their end as well with everyone quick to offer smiles, eager congratulations or teasing remarks about our sudden display of affection. König kept a tight hold on my waist all the while, as if to make sure I didn't run away—although I wasn't having the slightest intention of doing so.

"What a way to make it official!" Calisto exclaimed before someone else commented, slightly tipsy with alcohol, "I knew they were a thing! They were sooo obvious!"

"Well, it was about time," Horangi chimed in cheerfully, giving König's shoulder a friendly pat.

While the never-ending banter, teases and taunts continued, König and I barely reacted, our smiles reserved for each other, as if the entirety of the room had faded into a materless realm. Getting back into our seats, both still smiling like children, I absentmindedly passed the mic to someone else.

Every eye and question were directed at us, but my head was too occupied spinning with thoughts about the immediate future, as in: Should we be straightforward and admit it? Wouldn't it harm his career?

König, on the other hand, appeared at peace, even letting his fingers mindlessly play with my hair. He kept staring at me with such tenderness that the idea of denying anything seemed ludicrous. He had always been pretty private about his personal life and emotions with others, yet his actions here spoke for him, a lot. He was visibly happy to show how he felt, even if it meant stepping slightly out of his comfort zone to do so.

As the night went on, König and I made a game of dodging most of the questions aimed at 'us', but it didn't deter the soldiers as they grew more and more intoxicated. König's hand remained on my thigh, keeping my heart fluttering, fuelling my stomach with endless waves of butterflies.

I can't know for sure what the future has in store for us, but I'm at least deeply certain of one thing:

 

I
Fucking
Love him.

 

Chapter Text

Today was the grand day, the moment we've all been waiting for: we're finally going to nab Shadow red-handed. The buzzing in the prep room was slowly wearing off as fully geared-up operators were gradually leaving one after the other for the tarmac, where reinforcements forces were soon expected to be landing.

Adorned in my thermal clothes, my combat knives were snugly sheathed, and my pistol was now holstered at my thigh. The only piece missing to complete my setup was the tactical vest I needed to put on. A quick glance to my right confirmed that König was still present, engrossed in adjusting something on his helmet. An innocent idea popped in my mind as I slipped my head through the main hole of the robust protection, letting it sit over my windbreaker before securing it at the sides like I'd always do.

Approaching König, who was now in the middle of test-fitting his helmet, I initiated my small request.

"Hey, mind lending me a hand wi—" I began, only to be greeted by the sudden pivot of six crimson lenses in my direction, catching me completely off guard. Ah, so that's what he was fidgeting with—his night vision goggles. They were giving him such a goofy look that I couldn't help a small grin once the surprise had passed. At least he looked funny enough to make me forget for a second the gravity of the impending operation, or how soon it was about to start.

"Is something on my face?" he probed, his voice monotone.

Smoothing my amusement by pursing my lips, I allowed my eyes to wander up and down for a bit. Am I that much of a sucker for men in uniform, or does his camo pants somehow make him even sexier than usual? Returning my focus upward, his goggles weren't in the way anymore, enabling us to lock eyes. His expression remained serious, but softened a bit upon meeting my gaze.

"Nope, nothing. Can you help me adjust my vest, please?" I queried with a more earnest tone, regaining my composure as I sensed lingering stares around us.

This was to be expected now, since the spreading rumors about our more-than-likely relationship had become inevitable—König's known character being more at fault for it rather than our respective ranks. I got so accustomed to the intimacy we share that I often forget he's cold, blunt and reserved with basically everyone else beside Horangi. Yesterday I even had curious colleagues asking me how I 'did it' since, apparently, the few who tried to pierce through his defenses stumbled against an unbreakable wall. Also, male recruits are now treating me with a strange, heightened courtesy—and that's when they aren't actively avoiding any direct interaction.

Guess this is going to be our new normal for a while…

Despite the attention, König didn't appear bothered—but I'm sure that's only a facade: he can reassure me all he wants, I saw the sharp glare he shot at the two soldiers eyeing us from the opposite corner of the room. And now I can't shake the feeling he might be harboring some regrets about exposing our relationship, nice.

He eventually took his helmet off and, prompted by a subtle nod from him, I pivoted to show him my back. His gloved hand brushed against my neck, gently clearing my hair away before deftly manipulating my buckles and straps. Our physical proximity offered yet another tacit layer about the link we shared, making me silently note that I should keep my future 'ideas' only behind closed doors next time.

While the last soldiers were leaving toward their respective positions on the airfield, König slipped a finger in between the straps and my shoulder to check if the fit was tight and secure. His palm then slyly slid onto my stomach to yank me closer to him—well, technically, as close as our gears would allow. Heat rushed to my cheeks instantly and couldn't help a quick, panicked glance around to ensure we were indeed alone.

"Give me your hand, Schatz," he requested with a low voice, causing my head to tilt backwards until it inevitably bumped against his chest—only to see as his own face was also slightly bent above me, sporting an enamored expression.

Perplexed, I raised my dominant hand, palm facing upward, and, before I could question his demand, I felt something cold being delicately placed on it. Redirecting my attention to what was now sitting in my hand, I was able to grasp as his own gloved one swiftly withdrew to pair with the other still resting on my lower belly.

"Is it… a bracelet?" I inquired after a quick analysis of the offering: it was made of multiple uniform, black and slightly translucent beads that glistened softly in the dim light of the room.

His answer came promptly. "It is," a smile evident in his voice. "Those are smoky quartz. They're supposed to improve strength and protection, or so I heard."

As my eyes widened, he added, "I hope it's not too shabby… otherwise let me know and I'll make you something different."

"No, I mean, it's beautiful, I—" I stuttered, doubly amazed that he went to such lengths to give me something. My lips parted as I tried to collect my thoughts, then closed again as I took another look at his gift.

"You made this? For me?" I finally asked, genuinely touched. Had he not mentioned it, I would have never guessed it was handmade.

"Hmm," he nodded, and I silently observed as he softly put the bracelet around my hovering wrist after stretching it open. He then pulled its two black leather strings close, but not too tightly. My heart quickened as I slowly turned around to face him, keeping my hand in front of me to admire the smooth beads now sitting against my skin.

"Do you like it?" he asked, his voice brimming with genuine anticipation while his hands were quick to find my sides.

"Of course!" I beamed as I jerked my gaze back to his. "Thank you, I really, really appreciate it. I know I once called you the king of DIY, but this is…" I paused as I stole yet another fond glance at my wrist, "...impressive, to say the least," I sincerely complimented.

"You know I like to pick up hobbies," he rambled playfully, obviously pleased with himself while a mischievous smirk danced up to his squinted eyes. "I like doing things with my hands after all…"

"König—" I scolded as I gave him a disapproving look; although my fingers went to his chest nonetheless, registering the soft cotton of his khaki mask laying over the sturdy form of his plate carrier.

"...but calling me King shall be enough, my dear," he concluded with his customary cheekiness, and his arms enveloped me lovingly.

I couldn't help the light chuckle escaping me as the scent of his aftershave soothed my nerves, making me almost reluctant for the mission to even begin. My hands mindlessly grasped the underarm edges of his plate carrier as I rested my ear against his heart, its steady and calm beat proving to be a stark contrast against the strong pace of my own. My chest has felt tight and heavy ever since I learned we got assigned to different positions, and it was slowly turning into a lingering discomfort at this point.

Even if the plan is impeccably crafted, there are still risks, there are always risks... And that sentiment alone served as yet another sharp reminder of why I used to so firmly avoid fraternizing in the past… Because keeping a clear head when the person you love is out there risking their lives becomes another battle of its own. Yet, although I refuse to fuel the 'what if something bad happens' train of thoughts, there's still something I need to express to him, words I would forever regret leaving unsaid if the opportunity could never present itself again.

"König, I lo—" I began, but the words got stuck in my throat. After a deep breath, inhaling not just oxygen but also his familiar fragrance, I tried again.

"Ich liebe dich," I avowed, somehow being easier said in his mother tongue than mine—although my pronunciation surely needed to be revised… However, at this moment, my primary concern was whether how he deemed my sudden confession rather than how it sounded.

His breath caught in his throat for a bit. After which, and with a quarter turn, he gently pressed me against the adjacent wall, his imposing frame effectively shielding mine from almost every angle possible. After resting his hand on the wall beside my head, he leisurely leaned in until our eyes were at the same level.

"Say that again" he demanded, his gaze nor tone revealing anything about his reaction.

Fuck, I knew it—my German is trash...

"I said I lo—" I mumbled after my chin dropped in defeat, embarrassment igniting my cheeks in a fiery flush; but König prevented me from finishing my second attempt when he raised my head back up with the only help of his index finger.

"Nein, in Deutsch," he insisted with that tone normally reserved for recruits; yet, as his eyes locked with mine again, his command turned into a soft, almost desperate plea.

"Ich… liebe dich," I hesitated with a dry throat, making my voice slightly tremble toward the end.

It was as if the words hit him like a bullet.

In a swift motion—almost too fast for me to catch on—König's free hand reached for his balaclava under his mask and lifted them both just enough so his lips could crash onto mine. As one of his hands gripped my hip, the other was already cupping the nape of my neck, angling my head to the perfect angle so effortlessly, deepening the kiss like we could die if it would ever come to a stop.

The fabric of time itself seemed to pause as I surrendered to his embrace, my heart pounding so strongly that I could feel each beat in my ears. Our tongues intertwined in a fervent dance while his body heat induced a delightful giddiness, overwhelming all my senses in the blink of an eye. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I sighed into the kiss the moment my fingers slipped under his mask and felt the softness of his hair at the back of his skull.

Nothing seemed to make sense, except for our feelings and the intensity we were reciprocating—so much so that we failed to register the hurried footsteps approaching until a voice shattered our bubble of oblivious existence.

"Hey König, what are you doing?! We're wai—" Horangi began to complain, but stopped short the moment he laid eyes on us making out in the middle of the fucking prep room.

My blood drained from my face as I immediately tried to move away, but König refused to let me go. He pulled me closer instead—if that was even possible—letting a deep, possessive, and irritated growl out which reverberated in my throat.

"Forget it, take your time—" Horangi mumbled as he retreated in a hurry, leaving us back to our stolen moment. König persisted in kissing me like he was savoring each second of it… and I could only melt back into his arms as a natural response.

My cold hands warmed up simply by holding his freshly shaved cheeks, and my fingers absentmindedly tangled in the beautiful mess his mask would always form when caught in the middle of our 'passionate' exchanges. It also stirred the longing for the day when he'd feel ready to remove it around me, but prioritizing his comfort was far more important for me than any impatient desires I could harbor.

The kiss eventually had to come to an end, though König wouldn't stop pressing his lips against mine tenderly again, and again, and again… He finally rested his forehead against mine and, as I was trying to catch my breath, the intensity of his clear gaze diving into mine cut it short once more.

"Ich liebe dich, Schatz, ich liebe dich so sehr. Ich verspreche dir—nein, ich schwöre bei Gott, sobald alles vorbei ist, kann ich endlich den Rest meines Lebens damit verbringen, dich zu lieben, zu unterstützen und für dich da zu sein," he cooed softly. His words felt like a gentle caress, mirroring how his breath tickled my lips as he spoke.

Though the meaning eluded me, I could feel it, deep in my heart, that it was something important; perhaps a promise… And, as if we were in the middle of sacred vows, I couldn't bear to break eye contact with him; I simply absorbed the sincerity oozing from his blue irises, one which easily transcended any language.

"Ich liebe dich. Immer." he whispered, his fingers twitching in my hair sending shivers down my spine.

"Ich liebe dich. Immer." he repeated slightly louder, insisting on every word, before sealing the sentiment with one last kiss.

I gazed at him in sheer awe, my lips staying slightly opened as I struggled to regain a semblance of reason.

"Wh—what did you say...?" I stammered, still not quite able to grasp the full length of this surreal turn of events. It was as if I was as light as a cloud, floating so high I couldn't feel my feet touching the ground anymore.

"I was just saying—" he paused, taking a short break to gather his thoughts. As his palm went to cup my burning cheek, that's when I understood I wasn't floating but rather that his other arm was wrapped around my thighs and keeping me to his level.

"I said that I love you too," he admitted, making my heart nearly jump out of my chest, "and that I'll show you something once this mission is finished. Something important."

I nestled my nose into the crook of his neck and closed my eyes, his strong body feeling like the last solid element I could cling to. I relished in the few spare seconds we had, absorbing his touch, his strength, his scent, his words, his love—cherishing every tangible and intangible aspect of him.

But the unavoidable consensus we had to separate became evident as the noise of heavy helicopters landing outside intensified. Tension crept right back on our faces as our operator masks instinctively slid into place. In a seamless, coordinated flow, we gathered our remaining gears and rushed outside.

König barely had the time to secure his helmet that the back door of the nearest cargo helicopter opened whereas others had almost completed their descent. At least our belated arrival worked to our advantage: the synchronized chaos in the air field provided the best cover to blend in. As I discreetly moved into position within our squad, König assumed his place at its front and barked directions over the deafening sounds the multiple sets of blades were making.

 

Alright, let's get ourselves a Shadow now.

Chapter Text

As one cohesive unit, we entered the giant belly of the cargo helicopter. While everyone quickly settled into the spare seats, the ramp sealed shut, and we soared towards our destination: another covert compound used by Shadow and his cohorts. So, if we're lucky enough, we're going to catch him in the middle of a sketchy delivery, itself taking place within one of his numerous shady businesses.

The only drawback was the size of the whole place: it had nearly a dozen buildings scattered amid sprawling farm lands—a weak cover deemed better than none, I guess. To optimize our chances, it was decided to divide our forces into multiple teams so we could infiltrate all structures simultaneously. With just a week to prepare, we weren't able to get as much reinforcement as we would have liked… But the presence of the Marines deployed alongside us was still a welcome support.

The first squad disembarked near its objective before the helicopter took off again, straight to its next stop—ours. And with the space beside me now vacant, König was quick to seize the opportunity to subtly claim it. Within the cramped space of the vehicle—unfit for someone of König's stature, since his shoulder and thigh were pressed against mine—we at least had the perfect excuse not to pull away from each other.

"Attention everyone," he called, forcing himself to speak louder than the helicopter's engine. "You're all familiar with the plan, so always keep in mind we're spread out. Be cautious to avoid any friendly fire, but remember that we also need our enemies alive."

I instinctively tightened my grip on my sniper rifle while I couldn't help looking at his masked profile, blatantly admiring the determined, cold and serious but oh so familiar operator side of him I had first met with months ago.

"This is a surprise attack, so let's keep it that way as long as we can since, for each building—" he paused as he turned his head my way, allowing our eyes to meet, "there'll be a sniper positioned accordingly for recon."

His gaze softened for no more than a heartbeat before it refocused on the operators, soldiers, and Marines sitting across from us.

"Is everything clear?!"

A unanimous affirmation resounded, and I barely had a moment to breathe out that we were already landing at our drop-off point. While my squadmates hadn't finished disembarking, I headed myself directly toward my remote position, focusing solely on the mission—but I got promptly halted by a hand closing on my shoulder.

"Stay safe, Schatz," König whispered, his gaze having no trouble finding mine again when I tilted my head upward.

"You too," I returned softly, and we exchanged a last meaningful look before he let go. We went our separate ways while the helicopter ascended behind us, with each step away from König feeling like a needle was pricking my heart, again, and again.

Now positioned about two thousand feet from our objective, I scanned the small compound through my scope, checking for any signs of activity before relaying my status over the radio. I strangely couldn't detect a soul roaming outside, even with thermal vision on. Despite the late hour almost being past midnight, there should be at least one guard patrolling... Perhaps we got assigned to an unused building—yeah, it has to.

Meanwhile, the moon was gracing us of its presence tonight, casting a gentle light over our surroundings. It painted a picture almost tranquil, akin to a poetic embodiment of 'the calm before the storm'. A slight breeze wafted by as I glanced up at the clear sky, where stars glowed in their own astral formation. The silence, however, felt deafening; even the slightest shift of my elbow seemed to scrape against the high grass I was hiding in.

A faint buzz eventually reached my ear, quickly followed by a voice cracking through my earpiece.

"König to Delta 1, we're in position. You have a visual?"

His voice alone sent shivers down my spine, easily rivaling the ones induced by the cold temperatures of the night. Peering through my telescopic sight, I immediately located my man and his teammates crouched within the knee-high grass, precisely where they were supposed to be. All of them had their night vision engaged, patiently waiting for orders to break in.

"Affirmative, flashing now," I informed as my gloved fingers reached for my pocket flashlight and briefly turned it on and off multiple times.

König whipped his red lenses in my direction, then raised his thumb up before reaching for the radio controls at his chest.

"Perfect—hold still unless said otherwise, over."

Yet, contrary to his words, he wasn't 'over' at all: I examined his hand executing slow and deliberate gestures, forming what I immediately recognized as military hand signals.

He pointed in my direction, as in "you";
Then brought his palm with straight fingers horizontally on his helmet, right above his night vision goggles, which meant "watch";
And concluded whatever he was on by pointing his index finger toward himself, forming a clear "me".

"You", "watch", "me".

A suppressed snicker escaped me; his sassy ass truly had no end. The diversion only lasted for a fleeting second though, as the entire situation could get dire any moment now. Another sudden breeze passed by and rustled the tall grass around me, making me grip my sniper tighter as a reflex; and, once again, all fell silent.

Finally, it came—we all got the green light to kick off the intervention, and König's team immediately got on the move. With controlled breaths, I stared through my night vision scope as they entered the apparently empty structure. By tracking their every move anytime they passed in front of windows, I could only watch from afar while they meticulously inspected all three levels of the building.

As they went back to the first floor without so much of a fight, relief washed all over me. But, as I was expecting a radio update from them, I observed their silhouettes progressing... even farther down?

I blinked twice and took another look—yep, there must be an underground level we couldn't anticipate; but, in that case… Why isn't König providing information about it? I know him too well to think he could overlook something like this.

"König, this is Delta 1, radio check."

I waited a couple of seconds, excruciating seconds devoid of any response. I witnessed with horror as my squad continued their descent, disappearing from my scope one by one while one of my worst-case scenarios was unfolding right before my eyes.

"Delta 1 to König, do you copy?" I tried again, urgency now lacing my tone, while I double-checked if I was on the correct channel—I was.

Yet, still no answer.

All the hair on my back and neck stood on end while I changed the radio channel as quickly as possible.

"Watcher, this is Delta 1. Have you got any status updates from König's team?"

Their response was not long in coming at least.

"Negative, Delta 1. Unlike the other teams, we haven't received any updates from them since the start of the operation."

The news hit me like a ton, summoning every instinct urging me to leap and rush to König's aid. I have to stay calm, it's likely just a radio malfunction… but on all members of my team except me??

Fuck, fuck, fuck!

"Watcher, we have a problem here. They all went underground without reaching first, and I can't get through them anymore," I reported, somehow managing to keep my voice from waving.

"Understood, we're sending support your way. Stand by."

Anxiety started to get the best of me as I stared blankly through my scope, silently praying for everyone to just magically reappear already. Forcing my breath in through my nose and out through my mouth to tame the knot forming in my stomach, I tried my best to rationalize the dread engulfing me too fast for my own good—I can't afford to panic, I saw them just a minute ago, they're fine. They're fine…

But if they're not, we may never know.

The silence I was left in was louder than any fight, mental or not. Even each breath I took felt like a struggle, like the air would only get thicker along every slow inhale I was trying to pace.

"Delta 1, a support team is on the way. Meet them at your drop-off point and guide them through your designated location. Once your squad is located, command falls back on König, over."

"Rog, out." I tersely replied as I pushed myself up from the ground and engaged my night vision goggles. As I ran down the small hill, I could already hear the draft sound of a smaller helicopter flying closer to my location—and while I know I should feel relieved to get help so quickly, I still couldn't get rid of that bad feeling gnawing at me.

After the chopper had touched down, I spotted a cluster of soldiers making their way toward me—Marines, to be exact. Not a single member of KorTac was present, but I'd rather be content with the support than risking a rescue operation alone.

While leading our group of six, it only took us a few minutes to get to the back entry my squad had previously used.

"Watcher, this is Delta 1, we're about to get in," I briefly updated.

After a short pause where we received… no reply, the Marines and I exchanged puzzled looks.

"Watcher, this is Delta 1, do you copy?" I reiterated.

Still no response, as expected of this shitty turn of event—which is only getting more ominous by the second.

"This is Delta 1 in the dark, we're about to enter our assigned building. Respond if you can hear this."

The radio was functioning perfectly fine a minute ago, which can only mean… there must be a jammer nearby. I scanned the surroundings, futilely searching for confirmation of my deductions, while the young Marines waited for me to make a decision.

There's no turning back and waiting for additional reinforcements; they're all already engaged elsewhere. Plus, whatever lies underground can't be that complex, and the jammer's range can't be that strong either—so my squad is still likely right under my feet, maybe fine, or perhaps injured…

And there's no way where I'm leaving König to his fate.

"Ok guys, you," I gestured to the man to my left, "get back to the drop-off point and inform Command we're proceeding underground as soon as you can get through them. The rest, stick with me."

Without any objections, every Marine followed except for the one I randomly picked out. We discreetly slipped through the left open entrance and reached the service staircase leading downward without difficulty. Every step we took intensified the pounding of my heart as we descended, praying we'd find this subterranean level as void of enemies as the above ones.

We then methodically explored the area one room at a time, our communication reduced to silent hand signals to minimize any potential noise. Despite the industrial facade of the building above, this place had nothing to envy of a prison. The belongings scattered across the various unlocked cells hinted they were indeed recently occupied—but where the fuck did all those prisoners vanished then?

The musty air was growing more suffocating as we pressed forward, and my uneasiness switched to a mild nausea when I stumbled upon an abandoned kid's plushie beside a disheveled mattress, both carelessly strewn on the dirty floor.

We eventually reached the last room, which was by far the most welcoming space of this horrifying complex: it looked like a control or a rec room, obviously intended to be only used by the people running this exploitive site. And yet, no König here to be found either, only a dead end… Like this situation wasn't turning into the plot of a bad scary movie enough.

"Shit... Let's get out of here, maybe we missed something," I decided, prompting the others to follow as I retraced our steps to the room's entrance.

But when I reached for the door handle, it strangely refused to open. After one or two more futile attempts, a Marine resorted to ramming the door with his shoulder—but it remained stubbornly shut.

"Sean, take the hammer behind me!" the one to my left instructed urgently.

As said-Sean hurried to his colleague's back, we all heard the clatter of metal hitting the ground before something rolled… No, two things—quickly followed by a hissing sound akin to a gas leak.

—Fuck.

We're.
So.
Fucked.

"Open the door! NOW!" I bellowed as I fumbled for my radio controls. "This is Delta 1, can anyone hear me?! We're trapped in—" I tried to call despite knowing it was probably useless, but my plea got cut short as soon as I heard one of the Marine cough.

"Hold your breaths, it could be poison!" I ordered before heeding my own advice.

Meanwhile the Marines resumed their efforts on the door, I turned around in hopes of finding an alternate exit—a hidden passage, a window, anything! I frantically moved the few pieces of furniture in the room to seek what I desperately couldn't find: an escape route. Now trying my luck with the large table randomly standing in the far back of the room, my lungs began to burn with the need for oxygen, yet I refused to give up—I can't!

But, when I heard Marines cough again, I turned my head their way just in time to witness as two of them collapsed to the floor, and I couldn't help my gasp. I only got a glimpse of another one closing his hands on the hammer that had fallen to the floor to resume what his colleagues couldn't do anymore before my vision got blurry and my legs failed me, the gas taking over and kicking its immediate effects. I crumpled to the ground in a coughing fit, and the two left-standing men succumbed shortly after, leaving us all at the mercy of the noxious fumes.

As I was lying next to the table, my gaze fell upon something peculiar behind it, something like… a left-opened trapdoor. Fueled by a primal urge to survive, I mustered what little strength remained and crawled under the table toward it, but I couldn't fight against the immense fatigue already overtaking me. With the last remnant of my energy, I clutched König's gift while tears welled in my eyes at the realization that I'll never be able to see him again, that I'm about to die.

I heard the door suddenly burst open, immediately followed by the heavy thud of multiple pairs of boots on concrete. Men were barking at each other, but my clouded mind could only make out muffled noises at this point. A hand gripped my shoulder and forced me on my back, my tear-blurred vision probably hallucinating the gas mask looming over me before it completely shut down.

"It's—, hur—up and—ta—all!" I managed to faintly discern in between the sporadic throbs of a sudden oppressive headache, and my consciousness finally dropped into dark, endless limbos.

 

My fingers slipped from the bracelet, at least at peace I could feel his love one last time.

Chapter 31

Notes:

TW: Sexual Assault

Chapter Text

Everything was calm, still, almost… serene. It was also a bit cold and lacking air, yes; but at least I was at peace within the darkness of my closed eyelids—not that opening them would change anything. My lungs started to heat again, but it was pale in comparison to the profound ache that engulfed my entire being, down to my very bones. Though, I had to admit, the freezing waters had the benefit of dulling it down to an almost tolerable level.

A faint shout jolted me out of my peaceful trance, alerting me that my time was up. As expected, a strong force pulled me up and out of a river of darkness straight to another one. Above the stream I was being rinsed up and down for what felt like ages, the night still reigning outside was telling a completely different story: no more than a few hours must have passed since my team and I were drugged and abducted. It couldn't have been days, else hunger would be another bullet point on our list of problems by now.

"Still not ready to talk, woman?!" barked a hoarse voice, shattering the surrounding quietude.

Too bad I wasn't having the force to scoff at the stupidity of his question. The torments I endured up to this point aren't going to waste now that I'm getting through something I can easily compare to a stroll in the park. So, instead of wasting energy on futile reactions, I focused on regulating my respiration, taking in small, measured breaths to refill my lungs as much as they could. Meanwhile, water trickled from my drenched uniform down to my head, and the frigid night air bit me from every angle possible, making me tremble as a result.

As I gave nothing more than silence, the man—whom I couldn't discern beyond a vague silhouette—released the rope I was attached to. My whole body followed, plummeting, again, down into the abyss awaiting right below. I took a sharp inhale through my nose, braced myself for impact, then reunited head-first with the ice-cold waters.

A few more rounds of dipping me in and out of the river like a worn out tea bag played out, each cycle blurring together and offering me ample time to reflect on what they had already put me through thus far. From physical beatings and scarification to electric shocks, each method of torment only added to the litany of pain etched into my flesh. Their relentless determination to extract information out of me knew no bounds: they showed no mercy, escalating quickly from one method of interrogation to the next at the slightest hint of resistance, and—

Every nerve ending in my body flared back to life as a sharp pain went in waves from my likely-broken arm, getting so intense it wrenched me from my lamentations. While suspended over the current, I had to endure a torturous hiatus while two men argued, keeping me out of the water too long for my own liking.

Seriously, why did they stop? Are they bored already?

A gruff man chimed in the argument with an exasperated "Enough!"—yep, bored. "Get her back, we'll continue inside. I won't freeze my ass off for a mute bitch!"
And polite with that.

With that charming sentiment, a pair of hands seized me and hauled my trembling form back toward solid ground, but their grip faltered when someone else cut the rope that previously held me aloft. I crashed unceremoniously to the earth with a thud, akin to the morning's catch I was—though the vigorous jolts of fins were clearly absent from my lifeless, tied limbs.

The men's impatience was palpable as they roughly manhandled me, throwing my weight back onto the cold stone floor of the warehouse we were sequestered in. My arms ached, my bruised stomach protested, and my swollen cheek throbbed against the hard surface. My body was left in a state so weak and exhausted that I couldn't even move anymore; all I could manage was the rhythmic rise and fall of my chest as I even struggled to draw my next breath.

I kept my head down and my eyes closed, choosing to not even check on my fellow Marines behind me—there's little I could do or say anyway. Initially used as bait to trigger them, I quickly became the primary target of our abductors as soon as they realized the young men wouldn't be of any use to them: Marines were just briefed with the necessary information for the operation—which meant almost none. But they were still met with vicious reprisals any time one dared to speak out in my defense, which only worsen the guilt I felt for dragging them into this fucking trap.

While our hospitable hosts deliberated among themselves, I desperately seized the fleeting respite offered; but the physical pain was only intensifying, consuming my entire focus on how unbearable it was growing into. Everything felt surreal, like a nightmare I was detached from but still forced to endure—yet, I'd rather stick to my suffering than wonder about König nor his status. And now, after being beaten, humiliated, and used to fulfill their sadistic tendencies… Death tasted almost softer in comparison.

A slight bump on my calf snapped me out of my morbid thoughts, followed by a hushed voice calling for me.

"Hey, miss... You're doing great, keep it up. I'm sure they're going to rescue us soon enough," one of the Marines, Heath I believe, tried to encourage.

Ah, to be young… I didn't offer him a response as I was lacking both the will and the ability to speak, my split lips patently sealed shut until the very end. I know Heath and his comrades would never give up since they tried to break free multiple times—even though it always resulted with a good round of punches or further punishments—and yet, they'd always keep their heads up until we'd be 'rescued'. However, soon enough, the Shadow people will stop trying to make me speak—because I won't—and they'll kill us all, that's inevitable. And that moment will arrive rather sooner than later: they tried so much physical torture they're surely getting out of ideas. And with no leverage from personal information, their options are even more limited—God bless KorTac and their privacy contract's agreement. Even my dog tag thankfully revealed little beyond my initials and blood type.

Hushed voices continued to argue in their corner and, as I felt my sodden uniform clinging uncomfortably to my skin, the beads resting against my wrist almost felt… warm. A probable result of my mind playing a comforting illusion in the midst of my despair and the excruciating pain. While I can always hope the bracelet provides some sort of protection, like König said it would, it certainly won't make me invincible to what will finally come our way.

My heart sank as my thoughts automatically drifted to him. Despite my best efforts to shield myself from my emotional response, I couldn't compete against the overwhelming sorrow that drowned me on the spot, hitting me with a flood of memories and images of him. It flowed to my friends and family, to how they would take the news of my death—and I desperately dug my nails into my palms to redirect my focus elsewhere when I felt my throat tighten.

Out of my inner turmoil, I could only notice how the voices had grown louder. They weren't even hiding anymore how they couldn't decide what to indulge me with next:

"Why haven't we tried to burn her yet?" one suggested, his words slicing through the air with chilling clarity.

"Oh, 'cause yer previous ideas made her talk? Nah, so we should try again with the blokes, they must know somethin'..." countered another voice, its accent thick and difficult to place.

"Are you fucking stupid? Can't you see they don't even wear the same uniforms?!" snapped the angriest one of the group, frustration evident in his tone. "I don’t get it. I've dealt with tough ones before, but things like her? Just beating her tenses me more than anything now!"

Well, guess I'll take that as a compliment…

No matter the cruelty they showcased so far, the knowledge I had of their modus operandi was somehow enough to keep myself together. After all, fear stems from the unknown... And I'm perfectly aware I'd be even more useless to them if I'm dead—for now at least.

"All of you shut up!" interrupted an approaching voice with a distinct Russian accent as the door burst open and closed back loudly, silencing the disagreement lingering between the men. "I'll show you how it's down, you incompetents!"

No one dared to challenge the newcomer's authority as the heavy thud of his boots echoed through the desolated warehouse. I shook with every step he took, not entirely sure it was whether from fear or the freezing state I was in.

"Get her back on the chair," he commanded once close to my position, and his minions immediately obeyed. They carried me to the lone rusty chair of the room without an ounce of delicacy and firmly attached my arms to its back, making me wail through the agony my broken limb caused me.

"Alright, let's try something else," the Russian announced calmly, paying no heed to my suffering as he rummaged through the scattered tools on a nearby table. "This is your last chance: tell us what you know, otherwise I won't be able to guarantee you'll make it out of here alive."

Oh fuck off, just kill me already…

As I stayed silent while my chin hung low, he brutally forced my head up by gripping my jaw, his fingers pressing painfully in my scorched cheeks.

"I can assure you, you don't want to see me angry! Now talk, шлюха!"

With one eye swollen shut, the other only offered a troubled, distorted vision of the menacing silhouette before me as it was highlighted by the sole light of the room like a halo. When my able eye eventually adjusted, I could make out some of the man's features: his slicked-back black hair framed a square jawline, which was also accentuated by a few days' worth of stubble that almost obscured his cleft chin. Dark, penetrating eyes bore into my beady one while I was internally debating if his appearance leaned more towards that of a mafioso or a metalhead.

In any case, his deadly expression brought enough recognition to confirm that he wouldn't hesitate to get his hands dirty: I'm 100% sure he's Karl Vorodin, a figure well-known for his ruthless efficiency to get results where no one else could. Unlike other high-placed thugs of his organization who preferred the comfort of doing business behind closed doors, Karl always was notorious for personally handling matters on the ground, instilling fear in both his enemies and his men since nobody knew where his limits truly landed.

The staring contest I wasn't actively participating in went for another few seconds before Karl released my chin, allowing my head to slump back down to my chest.

"Alright, if you want to play like that," he spat with venomous contempt before gesturing to one of his men, "You, keep her head up."

A set of hands immediately seized my head and yanked it back up, and I watched with a mix of dread and resignation as Karl drew a combat knife from its holder, the blade gleaming as it inched closer and closer.

"... stop…" I mouthed, the quiet plea only leaving a bad aftertaste on its passing.

When the metal was poised dangerously close to my throat, I closed my eyes shut, cowardly choosing to hold on to the mental image of the warmth, the safety, and the happiness I used to feel in König's arms rather than face death head-on.

I braced myself for the searing pain that never came as I heard the knife cutting me—cutting through the top of my uniform I self-corrected as I opened my eyes again.

The blade had never reached my skin once. Worse, Karl looked far from done: his malevolent air hit my whole body with a terrible foreboding.

"Stop..." I muttered under my breath again, the word barely audible even for my ears.

My meek protest was met with a nefarious smile, and the knife got attracted to my soaked tank top as if it suddenly acquired magnetic properties. The fabric was practically fused with me, clinging to me like a second skin, so the rip that took place right in the middle of the garment felt more like it was every single part of me which was being torn apart.

The cold air bit into my exposed skin, yet it's the ice-cold metal sliding underneath one strap of my bra that sent the most shivers down my spine. The urge to beg for mercy increased while the hands holding me tightened their grip when I instinctively tried to shake my head in a clear 'no'. Karl stopped all movement to lean closer, leaving no room out of his sight, and my lower lip began to quiver as I tried in vain to hold back from crying.

"Talk." he ordered, his breath hot and repugnant against my face.

Warm tears rolled down my cheeks, mingling with the cold droplets that trickled from my hair down to my exposed chest. I could only face Karl's predatory gaze with a terrified expression, unable to form a coherent response just like a deer caught by headlights.

"No way…" I heard from behind me, Marines starting to catch on to what was unfolding before them.

"Don't you dare!" Heath protested, but he was immediately silenced by a brutal blow to the guts.

Karl made a fake pout when he shifted his attention back to me, and he eventually smiled again like the sadistic incarnation of Death he was.

"Guys, tonight's fun is on me!" he announced as he retracted the blade from my shoulder, eliciting loud cheers from his men, and the hands previously maintaining my head eagerly joined Karl's to help him lift my lower body from the chair with a cruel grip.

"No, stop!" I tried to shout, but my voice was so hoarse from past screamings it could manage nothing more than a high pitched whine.

While Marines grew agitated again, Karl hurriedly fumbled to pull my drenched pants down, but the soaked fabric stayed stubbornly clung to my skin.

"Stop!" I repeated, and some men erupted into a mocking laughter, reveling in my useless protests while I was trying to fight back with my legs.

I felt like crying, laughing, and yelling all at the same time. I did my best to resist the two pairs of hands struggling with my pants but, when I sensed a sharp coldness seeping into my bare thighs, a guttural, scratching scream erupted from my throat.

"KÖNIIIIIG!!" I implored—as if it would summon him to my rescue, as if the mere mention of his name would be enough to strike fear into anyone daring to go forth with such wicked plans.

Against all odds, the men (who were cheering only seconds ago) all fell back into a heavy silence, appearing frozen, like they had just seen a ghost.

But it wasn't at me they were looking at anymore: the main door had just creaked open, and it swung shut with a resounding metallic thud. Though I couldn't see past Karl, I still heard as a deep and monotone voice reverberated through the room.

"It's not nice to have a party without inviting me, Karl."

The color drained from Karl's face as he backed away from me and stammered—

 

"B—boss?!"

Chapter Text

"Seriously Karl, what are you doing? Might as well toss her into the circuit with the other girls, you know how some would pay well to be a Fed's first."

As those words echoed on the bare walls, a figure emerged from the shadows, his toned silhouette and dark attire exuding an ominous aura. No one dared to respond, too stunned by the unexpected appearance of this new character as it was casually breaking into the absurd tragedy that my life had become.

Every step he took was deliberate, his presence enough to demand respect. Karl, on the other hand, released me and stepped away looking like a child caught red-handed. My body sank back into the chair in a lashing reunion, the impact sending a jolt of pain through my already battered frame.

"I, erm—it's… Boss, it's not safe for you to be here," he tried to deviate, his embarrassment evident in his faltering words.

Wait, 'boss'? No way… could it be—

The dark figure paid Karl no mind as he continued to advance toward me smoothly, the shadows cast by his hood like a thick veil that my eyes couldn't peep through, leaving his identity shrouded in mystery. He stopped right in front of me, close enough that he was towering over me yet just out of reach.

"Joseph had Diego talking. Apparently, the leak wasn't from him. But…" he paused to lean closer, until his head would be roughly at the same level as mine, "—he recognized his dear 'Prissi' as soon as we showed him a picture of your pretty little face," he pointed at me, his words making my stomach twist with dread.

So now they have confirmation I indeed know much more than I was claiming to—shit.

I tried to keep a straight face, to soothe the panic creeping into my system, but my mind was already spinning with the myriad of information they may know about me now—my name, my affiliation to KorTac and König, or even my family… It felt like the last bits of my strength were draining from my feet, leaving me incapable of forming a rational plan of action.

A disapproving click of the tongue snapped me back to the present, quickly followed by a gloved finger angling my chin upward to inspect my face as one would with something dirty.

"Well, it was in better shape in the picture at least," the newcomer remarked, his tone laced with contempt. "You really don't know how to care for your toys, Karl."

The way he just stood calmly and talked so candidly, juxtaposed to his unimpressed demeanor, was truly unnerving. I could almost forget I was sitting half-naked in a room full of disgusting men—were it not for the relentless tremors coursing through my body, an irrepressible reminder that I was slowly but surely falling into hypothermia territories. But still, his way of speaking truly bothered me, it was peculiarly... familiar. It wasn't his voice, but rather his... accent?

He continued to assess me while my gaze was stuck to his face, like it could dissipate the obscurity around it if I'd stare long enough—but the pervasive darkness made it impossible to discern a thing, not even an inch of skin or the glint of an eye. I sensed as his finger eventually traced a path from my chin to my jaw, trailing on my neck, then to my collar bone; his touch invasive, each movement seemingly calculated to unsettle me further as he was now toying with a strap of my bra.

"Everyone beside Karl, out." he ordered before suddenly releasing my strap, eliciting a startled whimper from me as it slapped against my shoulder.

As one flow, all men obeyed and filed out of the warehouse in a swift, almost robotic motion. Their passage in front of the weak light bulb cast elongated shadows across the room, creeping and seeping into my damp skin like it was intentional.

The only people remaining besides me were Karl, the Marines, and who I assume is The Shadow we aimed to catch earlier tonight. How is that situation possible…?
If he isn't in a cell, are the others safe? Even… alive?

The conversation between the two men resumed in Russian, their voices staying low and measured, punctuated by occasional nods and gestures. Though I couldn't understand their words, it sounded like both of them were trying to avoid escalating the situation. Once finished, their attention returned to me, their stance probing yet impassive.

"The name you screamed earlier, it was 'König', wasn't it?" Shadow inquired, his pronunciation of the 'g' like a hushed 'shh' disorienting me. It made me question if I had misheard him, or if it was only his accent playing tricks on my ears. And, although I didn't reply, my horrified expression seemed enough to satisfy him.

"I wonder what you are to him: his little treasure—or just a tool?" he taunted as he detached himself from Karl's side, taking his time to inspect the various objects scattered on the nearby table like it would help him find the answer.

"Anyway, your loyalty to him has been of no use, the security cams told us everything we needed to know. And guess what?" he paused to build up his pathetic dramatic effect, as if I could possibly know where he was getting at.

"I'm not even mad at you."

My eyebrows shot up instinctively, causing my expression to quickly shift into a grimace as the movement stirred the bruises and cuts on my face.

"In fact, you've impressed me," he praised, his tone at complete odds with the gravity of the situation, and he took the few steps needed to stand in front of me again.
"Using Diego to infiltrate the nightclub, then having the guts to press forward to his office, despite the consequences of messing with us… Either you're a highly skilled spy—or else an absolute airhead."

While Shadow articulated his logical conclusions, Karl went fetching a chair so his bastard of a boss could sit in front of me, acting as though this was all part of a normal routine between them.

"... Regardless," he resumed as he took his seat, "I want you to work for me."

Fucking excuse me?

I couldn't help but scoff and shift my gaze away to keep my emotions in check. Otherwise, I fear I won't be able to stay polite.

"You don't have many options, princess. Either you become one of us..." he continued as he leaned further in my personal space, "...or, well, you die."

The statement was delivered like the obvious truth it was, each syllable heavy of consequence. When I tried to swallow past the knot in my throat, it protested with a needling pain.

"How can you think I won't run away the instant I see an opportunity?" I rasped through the ache.

"I'm not one to take chances," he started as he reclined back into his chair, crossing one leg over the other so casually it made me cringe. "Do you know why I'm called Shadow?" he asked—rhetorically, of course—while Karl continued to watch from a distance.

Shadow stayed silent for a brief second, reveling in the state of subjection I was forced into, and went on replying to his own question.

"Because I'm everywhere and nowhere at the same time. I'm woven so deeply in every corner of this country's underworld you'll never be able to escape me," he rambled while moving his wrist mindlessly, getting engrossed in his own narcissistic villain monologue. "To stop me now would be like wanting to block out the sun: babe, that's impossible."

A small smirk stretched on my lips, one I couldn't contain anymore. The sheer audacity of this disturbed man was baffling, to say the least.

"So, technically, yeah, you could try to run away…" he conceded as his focus returned on me, "...but, realistically, if you're a smart girl, you won't. Fighting against us is futile, so might as well be on our side."

"Then kill me now," I dared him, staring right into the void in front of me, where his eyes supposedly are, "I'll be dead before I serve cruel and egocentric bastards like you."

He stayed unmoved at my jab—if anything, my defiance seemed to please him, which only grated me more.

"If you like your last words to be feeble insults…" he remarked quietly, his tone not as arrogant as before, instead growing into something more contemplative. "Well, that's just disappointing."

"Suck my lips and see if I care" I snapped back, my frustration overriding any sense of intimidation, nearly causing me to miss the slight gasp a Marine emitted behind me.

Shadow stiffened as if I struck a nerve—but he quickly composed himself back and leaned in closer, until his head was mere inches from mine; and even at this proximity, the dark scrim net draped over his head made it impossible to see his face, not even his eyes.

"So, I guess you also don't care if I tell you that you already work for 'cruel' and 'egocentric' people?" he asked softly, but with a clear mocking undertone.

My look of confusion prompted a chuckle from him before he abruptly stood up again. He began to circle me like a predator stalking its prey, his head tilting slightly to the side as he walked.

"No way… So you haven't figured that out already? It never crossed your mind how we were able to dodge your little 'surprise' attack?"

My eyes widened as I understood immediately what he was implying. I have in fact never dared to consider that we could have within our ranks—

"a traitor…" I muttered, the conclusion alone crushing the last, minuscule shred of hope I didn't realize I was still holding onto.

My quick deduction seemed to make something shift inside Shadow; his voice suddenly lost all the cockiness it was originally infused with as it got replaced by something much darker.

"Now, is that enough information to make you reconsider? Or shall I broach on other subjects, like… that certain someone you called for when I arrived?"

No way he's insinuating that König is a…

Fuck, I have to admit it, he's good at what he's doing; he knows exactly what to say to trigger me. And if I react to that, I'm only doomed to be another pound in his sick game.

The silence that was now enveloping the room was only punctuated by the sound of his footsteps reverberating off the walls, making it hard to focus. I tried steadying my breath—in through the nose, out through the mouth—and dimmed anything threatening to overwhelm me: the pain, the doubts, the fears…

"My answer is still the same," I affirmed as I anchored my feet on the ground, as if it'd help me face my horrific fate.

Shadow stopped his little round, and he slowly gripped the back of the chair I was bound to. Though I could not see him, I could feel how his eyes were burning a hole into the back of my head, as if he were scrutinizing my very soul, probing for any weaknesses, all the while letting his fingers produce small taps as they played with the back of the chair.

"Are you sure?" he asked, the blunt question devoid of his earlier amusement. His charismatic facade had effectively vanished, leaving behind a chilling foreboding.

My heart pounded harder as I sensed him leaning in closer, the weight of his presence gradually growing unbearable, suffocating even, oppressing me with an invisible force.

"I don't know what you are for each other—though you're exactly his type—but… I'm certain he never showed you his face, did he?" he guessed with wicked satisfaction, and it took me everything not to recoil at the thought I'll indeed die without ever having seen König's face.

I could only narrow my eyes on Shadow's profile as I slightly turned my face his way, trying in vain to anticipate what his next trick would be.

"Well…" he whispered as his lips got next to my ear, and he even covered the side of his mouth with one hand like a child about to share an innocent secret. He paused again, relishing in the tense proximity he created, before delivering his next words with bloodcurdling poise.

"I've seen it."

Not even affording me the time to register the full weight of his revelation, he added, "And I'm pretty sure you have too, but not in the way you think. The scar on his chin; the one going from his eyes to his mouth; the few on his jaw; or even his birthmark you can only see when he has a buzz cut… You should be able to recognize them too—if only you knew where to look."

Shadow's breath tickled me as he whispered his unsettling facts, making my skin crawl with disgust while my eyes couldn't focus on anything. The darkness he emanated seemed to slowly permeate me, getting the best of my senses, consuming me whole. And as a turmoil of a hundred questions surging all at once hit me, he retreated with a satisfied hum.

"Now come work for me, you pretty little thing… And I'll show you how easy it is when you just take the time to ask yourself the right questions," he coaxed while the back of his hand brushed against my cheek. But, as I abruptly turned my head away from his touch, the door suddenly burst open again.

"Hey!! Trouble's coming, we—" a man yelled as he tried to enter the warehouse, his words cut short by what I immediately recognized as a sniper shot.

 

After a second that felt like an eternity, all hell broke loose in a thunderstorm of gunshots and shouts.

Chapter Text

👑 König POV

 

As I trudged away from yet another of Shadow's hideouts, each of my steps was weighed down by the burden of failure. Bloodied footprints marked my path to my car, which I was reaching for the fourth time empty-handed. I couldn't muster the energy to care about the wasted weeks—months of painstaking operations I was throwing out of the window, not while there's still a chance to save her.

But how to, when even my most trusted contacts have turned up nothing?

My gaze was fixed on the time displayed on the dashboard: almost 3am—it's been 3 fucking hours since she disappeared, and time is running out. The mere thought of her being harmed fills me with a nauseating anger—and it would be all because of me, because I'm an incapable fool!

"Scheiße!" I raged as I punched the steering wheel.

My whole body could be resumed as a ball of nerves: desperation oppressed me, leaving me with no choice but to seek out the one person I had avoided all this time… But he's the last one in all those mind games who's trustworthy enough—well, I can only hope he still is.

I fired up the engine and set off again, the wheels leaving dust clouds behind my hasty exit. While the road stretched on, its surface riddled with potholes and cracks, all I could concentrate on was how I could have—should have prevented this situation. I still couldn't believe how I'd let revenge blind me completely, how I didn't notice the eerie silence of the radio until we'd reached the other end of the tunnel we ventured into. Anyway, my negligence sealed her fate; by the time we got back, she was already gone.

The more I pressed forward, the more I recognized the road's surroundings, the panels, the few abandoned slums and even some of their graffiti. After what felt like an eternity, it's with a knot in my stomach that I finally reached my destination: one of the worst-reputed cities in the area, or more so an established gang haven I would have preferred never having to set foot in again. Nestled near the borders where laws held little sway, the few residents who remained did so out of necessity—and at this time of the night, they knew better than to loom outside.

Navigating the familiar streets by memory, I parked where I'd usually do and stayed in my seat for a minute, taking it all in—like how the façades hadn't changed or how the same repairs still needed to be done. No one should expect me around here, but I couldn't shake the uneasiness that stuck to me—that, and other conflicted emotions. And when I glanced at my reflection in the rearview mirror, it was only then that I realized my mask was bloodstained—shit!

I quickly discarded it before stepping out of the car, adorned only in my faithful balaclava, the weight of my mission settled heavily on my shoulders. I strode towards the lone brick building while ignoring the probing gazes of two thugs posted nearby, reaching its front door with the confidence I've learned to wear in any circumstances. When I entered the pub, the sight of alcohol bottles stacked upon each other nearly made me leave—but I took a deep breath and forced myself to proceed nonetheless.

"Can't you read the sign? We're closed, Hau ab!" a gruff voice snapped from behind the counter, and the rummage through the low cupboards I interrupted promptly resumed.

"Even for an old friend?" I countered, keeping my voice calm yet stern, hoping it would bring some recognition.

A bald, tattooed skull popped up from behind the bar, sending me a cocked eyebrow that I swear I've already received at least a thousand times before.

"Now way... König…? Is that you?"

"In the flesh," I replied, a faint hint of bitter-sweet humor coloring my words.

Even in the dimly lit room I could sense the hostility radiating from him—it has been some years after all. My attire and demeanor were vastly different from the last time he saw me… But it seems I was recognizable enough, prompting him to draw closer while reaching for something beneath the counter. I extended my hand to shake his as a natural gesture—whereas the person supposed to be my friend hurled an empty glass at me, which I only managed to dodge at the last second.

"I thought you were dead, you asshole!! Ich habe um dich getrauert!" he bellowed, his anger unfortunately justified.

I took a cautious step back to avoid the next flying glass, which completely missed and shattered against the wall behind me like a warning to keep my distance.

"Even your aim stayed the same apparently…" I muttered to myself. Under different circumstances, a smile would have probably formed on my lips, but we couldn't afford a friendly reunion right now.

"Entschuldigung," I apologized, though it didn't alleviate the guilt that has settled in my chest one bit, and chose to continue the conversation in our shared tongue, "I promise I'll explain everything, but right now I'm in need of your help, Oskar."

He shot me another stern look, his pout almost lost beneath his furnished beard, though the furrow of his inquisitive eyebrows betrayed his irritation.

"As usual?" he finally grumbled reluctantly as he turned around to face his shelves lined with bottles.

I stared at him for a moment, trying to gauge if he was joking or not since he had every right to show me the door.

"That won't be necessary, I just need information," I firmly declined as I settled onto a stool, the seat creaking under my weight. However, it seemed my refusal fell on deaf ears because Oskar persisted in his preparations, unfazed.

"Don't even try to lie to me again. I can see when you're bothered, even when masked," he warned as he tossed a single ice cube into a glass of whiskey before sliding it in my direction.

"I wouldn't risk coming to see you if it was for a mere bother, my friend," I retorted as I nudged the recipient aside with the back of my hand, repressing a scolding glare his way.

"Enlighten me then. What is it, am I in danger?" he inquired, not even sparing me a glance as he resumed his task of closing up the bar for the night.

I sincerely hesitated whether I should divulge the full story or not, since he more than deserves it, but the urgency of the situation left me little choice.

"Not as of now" I replied curtly, "however, someone else is. She was captured by Shadow, you must have heard about him."

Oskar finally lifted his gaze from his hands, his brows knitting in concern. But he quickly composed himself back, understanding that now wasn't the time to nitpick on details.

"Yeah, but I've mainly heard that once he sets his claws into someone, they're fucked. I don't see what I can do about that," he bluntly stated, not sparing me with an ounce of a white lie.

I maintained a neutral expression as he returned to dusting his glasses, containing the frustration churning inside my abdomen the best I could. I couldn't blame him for telling the facts like they were… But I wasn't seeking easy options—all I need is a possibility.

"But you must know someone who can give you some of their safehouse locations, right?" I pressed.

His gaze drifted into the distance, silently assessing the weight my demand brought on his shoulder. After all, only a slip of the tongue could literally put him or his business into the ground.

"I know it's a lot to ask," I conceded, "but he already ruined my life once. I can't let him do it again—I won't let him take away the only good thing that has happened to me since."

As he was still hesitating, my hopes began to wane as I slowly took in the harsh reality I was still so reluctant to accept: if even Oskar can't help me, no one else will.

"I am and will be eternally grateful for the help you gave me back then, and I swore to myself that I would repay you as soon as I could. But you know I wouldn't ask something like that if I wasn't having any other resort," I pleaded while leaning over the counter to meet his gaze, my wavering voice betraying the strain of suppressed emotions.
"Oskar, please..."

"I'll see what I can do," he gave in, his gaze resolute, his decision made, "but don't get your hopes too high," he added before heading towards his office at the opposite end of the bar.

"Just one glimpse of information, that's all I need!" I assured, overly grateful that he was willing to help after all.

Once he was out of sight, I sank my head into my hands and took a deep breath in an attempt to regain my composure. What a pitiful man I am; now even incapable of protecting the only person who truly counts. Lucky me she can't see me like that, otherwise she would definitely think the same thing as me: that I don't deserve her.

Feeling shaky, I considered taking a sip from the glass meant for me… and ended up downing it in a single swallow. Alcohol was certainly not the best solution to ease my nerves, but, and as much as I hated that fact, it always felt like it was able to douse the fire consuming me from the inside—and in some way, it momentarily would. As the warmth of the whiskey slowly worked its way down my throat, my mind seemed to clear up a bit, but the haunting image of her being held captive—perhaps even tortured—tensed me up again, making me clutch the empty glass harder.

The creak of the door jarred me from my desolation, and my eyes immediately landed on the piece of paper Oskar was bringing back with him.

"I might have something. Chances are the person you're searching for is in the countryside to the north," he explained as he shook the piece of paper. "Karl Vorodin has been expeditiously sent there, so I'll be quick if I were you 'cause it's at least a one hour drive from here."

I nearly jumped off my seat to reach for the paper, but he immediately pulled it away and shot me another of his signature frown.

"Let me finish before you run off," he reprimanded. "They've apparently been using this hideout for over a month, so my source couldn't confirm if they'd take the risk to hold captives there."

Brushing aside the hard facts he'd just outlined, I finally snatched the paper from him and scrutinized the coordinates written down. I couldn't believe it... maybe life was giving me another chance after all. If there wasn't a counter in between us, I would probably be hugging my friend to death by now.

"Thank you, Oskar. I must go, but I promise I'll come back to explain everything. You have to believe me when I say that keeping you in the dark was solely in your best interest."

He merely shrugged, his attention already back on polishing his array of glassware.

"I had a hunch you were alive," he confessed, causing my eyebrows to shoot up in surprise. "It still stings a bit that you didn't show up sooner, though I'm sure you had your reasons."

"Reason, yes…" I agreed somberly. His admission certainly alleviated some of the guilt, but I knew it wouldn't go away until I'd be able to make things right again… But now isn't the time to ponder—my focus needs to be solely set on her.

"I'll see you again, Oskar." I promised, hoping his kindness wouldn't land him into trouble.

"I'll be waiting," he acknowledged with a smile, and finally extended his hand for a friendly handshake. "And try to stay alive this time," he quipped, eliciting a faint chuckle from me.

"Will do," I affirmed, and after a nod of farewell, I took my leave. Frightening a homeless person in passing as I hurried back to my car, I punched the coordinates into my GPS and relayed them to base as quickly as I could.

"König to Watcher, I need backup at these coordinates immediately!" I barked into my comm while I was already tearing down the nearest highway at full speed.

"Message received, stand by," an operator replied, but his next response came only after a brief pause, his voice laced with apprehension. "Uhm... it appears that won't be necessary, sir. I've been informed that a duo of special forces operatives has already been dispatched there following suspicious activity. They're heading in as we speak."

My foot eased off the gas pedal as the information sank in, the car already slowing down in tandem. Relief washed over me—if movement was detected, it confirms she must be there! But… why send just a team of two?! Are they out of their mind, or just oblivious to the degree of the threat?

"What special forces?" I asked tersely, not able to hide my concerns.

"They're SAS officers. You might actually know them, they're part of—"

My blood ran cold as I immediately understood who he was referring to, and my fingers instinctively tightened around the steering wheel, gripping it with force until my hands grew numb.

"Auf keinen Fall—" I muttered under my breath.

 

"...the Task Force 141," he confirmed, leaving me seething in my seat.

Chapter Text

An ear-piercing ruckus of gunfire erupted outside, mingling with the yelling and shuffles of feet coming from all directions at the same time.

"Karl, let's go!" Shadow ordered as he immediately went to the opposite side of the room.

"Don't you forget something?! They saw you!" Karl retorted as he reached for his gun and aimed it at my head, my stomach plummeting in my guts as I saw all my life going through my mind in less than a second: the childhood dramas, the disappointments of life, the strokes of luck—only core memories to lament my imminent end.

"Not her, she might be useful later," Shadow ordered while rummaging through the large storage case he just opened.

"But—" Karl attempted to argue, "No buts!" Shadow barked back as he dashed towards the rear exit with multiple duffle bags in hands.

Though Karl shot me a venomous glare when his attention got back on me, he still resigned and redirected his gun towards the Marines behind me.

"No!" I screamed desperately, but four gunshots still reverberated through the whole warehouse, drowning out the chaos outside as if lightning bolts had landed right inside the room.

The air was heavy with the acrid scent of gunpowder and the grim essence of death. My head mechanically turned as far as it would go to look over my shoulder, horror sealing itself onto my features and choking me breathless as the image of the deceased men on the floor etched on my retina while blood was pooling under their bodies.

My eyes burned, threatening tears that refused to come, leaving only a suffocating sense of despair in their wake.

"They're all... They're all…" I struggled to utter, my breaths coming in ragged gasps as I was still unable to fully draw air into my lungs.

In one second and they're… Gone!

A guttural scream of agony tore from my throat as I strained against my bindings, but the ropes held fast, refusing to yield to my desperate struggles. Panic coursed through me like a wildfire, consuming any rational thought—so much that I didn't notice how the cacophony outside had inexplicably quieted before the door crashed open once more, slamming against the wall with a force that made me jump in my seat.

My gaze snapped to the figures stepping through the entrance, avoiding the corpse strewn in their path as if it wasn't something worthy of any relevance. The silence was only broken by the labored breaths of two imposing, heavy armed men still wielding their guns close to them as they progressed towards my position. Every instinct urged me to flee, but I remained stuck, like a powerless puppet in the hands of this new threat—especially since one of them donned a sinister full skull mask, its empty eye sockets aggravating to the nightmarish tableau.

"Steamin' Jesus..." the other who sported a fierce mohawk cursed, capturing my attention for a flicker of a second.

"Laswell, we got eyes on the captives," the masked figure reported briskly, his voice resonating with a deep British accent as he proceeded to conduct a quick round to ensure the area was secure.

"4 KIA, all Marines. The only one left is a woman," Mohawk added, his words landing like heavy blows.

I bowed my head as a grimace contorted my face, unable to accept the casualties my companions had now become. A high-pitch curse mixed with a hiccup escaped my lips as the reality of their death painfully squeezed my heart dry.

But the sound of approaching footsteps jolted me back to reality, realizing that the man with the questionable haircut was drawing near with a combat knife glinting in his hand. A strangled yelp escaped me as I looked at him with wide open, horrified eyes—yet, instead of the expected pain, I felt the welcome release of my bindings being cut away. Forcing my arms back to my chest through the abominable sensation my broken limb caused me, I was met with a pair of two radiant blue eyes hovering mere inches from mine. The man's expression was stern, his gaze scanning me for any visible injuries—which I was covered with.

"Can you stand up?" he asked, his voice gruff yet oddly comforting as he placed a reassuring hand on my back. Startled, my gaze thankfully landed on the SAS patch scratched on his shoulder, easing me from the fear the men elicited until now.

Maintaining my injured arm against me with my other hand, I couldn't even begin to shift my weight onto my legs that they immediately buckled. White-hot pain stole my sight, and my knees would have crushed onto the ground if it wasn't for the man's swift intervention as he caught me in my fall.

"Easy lass, let me help you," he reassured as he wrapped his strong arms around me to offer some support.

"Soap, you heard Laswell, just carry her and let's move," Skull-head commanded, his sudden appearance at my other side completely catching me off guard—I didn't even hear him approach.

"You're not feeling alright, LT?" said-Soap inquired while straightening up slowly to ensure I could follow. "Thought you liked being the man of the situation."

"I'd rather stay dry," he justified plainly, his thick British accent showing through the simple yet humiliating answer—but it's not like I had the strength to protest anyway. "And between you and me, I still have the best aim," he dismissed as he reached for something behind us.

"Cheeky bastard…" Soap muttered under his breath as he caught my pants, which still hung awkwardly at my knees. I quickly wrapped my able arm around his neck and gripped the edge of his plate carrier to get some anchoring as he struggled to pull them up.

"Sorry..." he simply apologized as he fastened them close, then Skully surprised me again as he wrapped around my shoulder an improvised sling for my arm.

When he closed it by making a knot with the sleeves, a small vertigo took me as I recognized the Marine's discarded uniform jacket—but I had no choice but to push the conflicted feelings aside as Soap effortlessly hoisted me up, carrying me in his arms while I gritted my teeth against the escalating pain. I instinctively clung to his shirt with my other hand, stifling any whimper that threatened to escape as we made our way onward.

"You're losing time with me—Shadow's getting away..." I managed to rasp as both men surged towards the rear exit of the room, where Shadow and Karl had vanished mere minutes earlier.

"You'd prefer we leave you here for a meet and greet with their incoming reinforcements?" Skull-head shot back, his voice still having that clear tinge of annoyance while his rifle was already back up, aiming to the unknown dangers lurking in the dark.

"No one gets left behind," Soap firmly stated, sticking close to his Lieutenant since he couldn't defend himself because of me.

Silent and drained, I felt my eyelids droop, exhaustion sinking into every nook and cranny of my sore joints as adrenaline ebbed away. The sensation of my sodden clothes clinging uncomfortably to my skin served as a last tether to reality, the chill getting more and more unbearable as even Soap's warmth wasn't able to get through me. He kept his pace quick and steady while his grumpy companion led the way, surveying each corner as they pressed forward.

"Contact ahead!" Skully suddenly bellowed, his deep voice piercing through the silence before the crack of gunfire erupted in the corridor.

"Bloody hell!" Soap cursed as he bolted behind the cover of towering wooden crates. He quickly lowered me to the ground and smoothly drew his weapon to follow his superior lead.

My ears rang with the deafening exchange of fire, but the urge to jump and help only intensified when I caught sight of the pistol holstered at Soap's thigh. And, as shadows danced in my peripheral vision, instincts propelled me forward to seize the weapon and fired at the enemies coming to ambush us.

Fortunately my shot found its mark, dropping the first assailant down, and the one behind him crumpled to the ground before he could fully enter the hallway—and I didn't need to glance back to know it was Skullhead's feat. While Soap held down the front, we secured the rear, but my senses blurred the more time advanced—so much so that I barely registered the end of the battle until Soap pulled my limp body back into his arms.

A light breeze swept over my skin soon after, my weary eyes straining to discern the faint outlines of our surroundings as the sun was rising over the horizon. While Soap's labored breaths filled my ears, my heart weighed heavily for the four Marines I was failing again by leaving their lifeless bodies behind—Heath, Sean, Eric and Adrian, that's all I could take with me: their names, not even their dog tag.

Despite the urge to look back, I listened as my saviors made their way towards a waiting helicopter, the rhythmic thud of its blades growing louder with each of their heavy steps. Eventually, Soap managed to settle me onto its metal floor before he'd fumble within the gears and other equipment the chopper had to offer.

"Ready to move, Nikolaï!" the Brit called over the din, keeping his gun ready for any potential attack.

"Roger, Ghost." replied the pilot, his Russian accent sending shivers down my spine, triggering fresh and unsettling memories of Karl.

As Soap finally located a survival blanket, he quickly enveloped me in its warmth while the 'Ghost' was talking through the radio, the conversation completely drowned by the roar of the helicopter's engines.

 

Lost in the cacophony, I surrendered to the chaos, clinging to the fragile hope that this escape wasn't merely exchanging one hell for another.

Chapter Text

I was heavy, so heavy… and a dull pain was stretching through my entire body, one I could compare to the aftermath I would get after intensive military training, back in the days. Every muscle felt sore, and even the simple act of lifting my head from the pillow revealed itself to be more like attempting to peel it from an extra-strong adhesive.

As the haze in my mind gradually lifted, I mustered the strength to pry my heavy eyelids open. I didn't immediately recognize the room I was in being an infirmary at first, but when I did, I couldn't help but jolt upward in panic. A sharp pang surged from my arm, which made me realize it was encased in a splint, locking my elbow into a bent position.

"Easy now, take it slow and try to relax. You're safe." a gentle voice reassured from across the bed. It took a moment for me to place her face as the KorTac medic's, though her name remained frustratingly elusive.

Caught between disbelief and shock, I surveyed my surroundings, searching for some semblance of an explanation. The bed was flanked by long curtains, and the informative posters stuck to the wall ahead broached various basic medical topics—at the exception maybe of those referencing firearm injuries or giving guidance on managing PTSD.

Only fuzzy memories eventually began to resurface as I tried to piece together what happened, attempting to make sense of how I ended up here.

"Where... am I?" I questioned, just to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

"You're in KorTac's infirmary, back at base. You're safe and you're recovering, there is nothing to worry about," she reassured softly, her voice soothing my frayed nerves.

She conducted her examination with meticulous care, checking my visual and motor responses, ensuring the efficacy of the painkillers, and attended to other details that I wasn't really able to pick up. Satisfied that there was no sign of head trauma, she retrieved a paper bag filled with medications and creams for my contusions. She then proceeded to explain to me the details of each of her prescriptions, how to take them properly, really doing her best to be as subtle as possible while giving me time to absorb and process the situation.

"And that's all for now. Your arm should heal relatively quickly since it's not broken, but you'll still need to see the physiotherapist for a few sessions," she explained while neatly packing everything back into the bag, but then paused as if she had recalled something important.

"Oh, and there's also what you requested before you left," she said as she grabbed a box among the others and placed it delicately in my hand.

"What I asked for...?" I hesitated, my memory failing to recall what she was referring to. However, realization hit me as soon as I looked at the box resting on my palm—it was birth control pills.

The memories came rushing back to me like a tidal wave. I remember now: our blood test coming back clean, my following visit to the doctor just before the mission, the eagerness to share this milestone with König as soon as my demand would have gone through…

"Take the time you need to read the instructions, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. My door is always open," she offered as she finished putting the remaining medicines into the bag. "It's great you're taking things to this level, but I'll need to speak with your partner as well. Those are serious health matters that are not to be taken lightly after all," she continued, but her words drifted into the background as my thoughts could only focus on whether König was even alive to attend the appointment.

Images continued to flash back to me, vivid and unrelenting: König's love declaration in the prep room; the underground trap; the following tortures and assaults; Shadow's bargaining; the Marines unjust deaths; and then, against all odds, the miraculous arrival of the rescue team I've never dared to hope for… My eyes watered involuntarily as the aftershock crashed over me with such force it felt like it was actually pushing me through the mattress.

"Hey, it's okay... We can discuss it later, just try to relax," the doctor attempted to reassure upon noticing my eyes glistening, but her words faltered as a sound akin to hurried footsteps echoed louder, stronger and quicker outside the infirmary before the door swung open in a crashing sound.

We both jumped at the sudden intrusion, although the doctor's expression quickly switched to one of annoyance as she moved behind the curtain to investigate the source of the disturbance.

"What's going on?! There's no need to slam the do—" she began to scold, but got cut short almost immediately.

"Where is she?!" a strained voice demanded through ragged breaths, its timbre hitting me like an electric shock. My heart leaped in my throat while my body acted on its own, my legs already weakly swinging over the side of the bed as if propelled by some invisible force to check if I hadn't hallucinated it.

"König…?" I weakly called out, my voice trembling with uncertainty, actually scared to seek for myself the answer I dreaded.

Drawn to me like metal to a magnet, König swept past the medic and the curtains. His eyes widened the moment he spotted me struggling to even sit properly on my own, but he didn't let that make him hesitate as he made his way to my side, his worry evident in the furrow of his brows.

It was as if all the anger and aggression that was previously consuming him had been replaced by pure concern. His gaze was glued to me, absorbing every little detail, analyzing all the bruises and cuts to ensure the doctor hadn't missed one.

"Schatz..." he murmured, his voice hoarse and thick with emotion, his eyes unable to tear away from me. A hesitant hand reached out to my cheek, one I feared I'd never be able to feel again, and the dam holding my tears broke as they streamed down in an unstoppable flood.

"König..." I whispered weakly, "I thought… I thought I'd never see you again...!" I finally managed to rasp through the knot in my throat, my voice cracking as I sobbed.

I closed my eyes under the molasses of relief, sorrow, and fear that completely overwhelmed me. König gently pulled me closer to hold me in a protective embrace, wrapping his arms around me as to shield me from the outside world.

I couldn't hold back anymore: awful memories from last night were saturating my mind, each gruesome image and recalled sensation making me sob harder. I clutched onto the back of his shirt, clinging to him as tight as I could, terrified I would be falling back into the dark waters, back into the hands of my torturers if I were ever to let go of him.

"Shhh... It's ok, I'm here now..." he consoled soothingly, his voice giving anchor amidst the storm raging within me.

While his large hands gently rubbed my back, their warmth easily seeping through the thin medical gown I must have gained when I was still unconscious, my chest heaved with labored breaths as I continued to cry, shaking like a leaf against him. His heartbeat felt like it was going to rip a hole through his rib cage; but he remained steadfast, taking the time to comfort me, to hold me close as long as I needed to.

"I'm here... Everything's fine, Schatz..." he kept repeating in that soft voice while his fingers threaded through my mussy and still humid hair.

As my sobs began to dim down, König pulled away slightly, only dropping to his knees so that our eyes could meet at the same level. He peeled off his worn gloves before tenderly cupping my cheeks, letting both of his thumbs brush my tears away. It was only then that I realized he was only wearing his balaclava, and the sight of his bloodstained uniform stole my breath for a moment.

His gaze bore into mine, swiftly captivating me with its intensity: despite his efforts to conceal it, fatigue showed heavily in his red and weary eyes. But he still stared deeply at me in the silence that stretched between us, his breaths coming in short bursts as he struggled to keep himself composed.

"I'm so sorry," is all he could muster to say, his voice overflowing with remorse.

I pursed my lips together so they'd stop quivering, but my eyebrows furrowed and new tears welled in my eyes. I could only reach out to clench his sleeve, nails digging into the fabric as if it were the last thing holding us together, unable to bear the thought of letting go even for a second.

But he's here, breathing and strong and alive, and we're reunited…

"This is all my fault, it should have never happened..." he apologized, his voice wavering as he brought my head to rest against his shoulder. "I'm so sorry I've failed you..."

I could only shake my head in his neck in disagreement, still too overwhelmed to formulate a cohesive sentence. He held me tighter, his warmth comforting my heart while his familiar musk that I thought I'd never get to enjoy again filled my senses. I breathed in his scent as if I could inhale his sheer essence, filling my lungs with him and his presence, relishing in the solace I'd long for back in that hell I still couldn't believe I was out of.

Once I had calmed down, I slowly withdrew from König and noticed the absence of the doctor, as she probably wanted to give us some space—though I doubted the flimsy curtains provided much privacy. König slightly pulled away too, and our eyes locked again. Those two beautiful, marvelous, heavenly grayish-blue orbs of his seemed only able to settle on me, and I felt like the luckiest girl on earth to be able to admire them again.

My hand instinctively moved to cup his cheek and my lips to press against his, leaving a soft but long kiss through his balaclava. When I reluctantly pulled away again, his warm palm went to cover mine as he slowly rose to his feet. He then took his time to smear the last tears with his other hand, the soft caress of his thumb enough to make them definitely stop.

"How do you feel? Can you stand up?" he asked softly, his touch loving as he absentmindedly tucked a loose tendril of my hair behind my ear.

Despite the painkillers working their magic, I wasn't entirely confident that my legs would support me... But I couldn't even attempt to test them that a voice stopped me on the spot.

"Absolutely not!" the medic chimed in from her desk, confirming my suspicion that she had been indeed privy to our entire exchange. "Stay where you are, I'll bring you a wheelchair," she insisted as we could hear her stand up.

"That won't be necessary," König declined as he swiftly removed his long-sleeve shirt, the motion bringing the t-shirt underneath slightly up and revealing his happy trail—but also what appeared to be superficial wounds—though I couldn't inspect them that he had already buried me inside the garment he just took off. It draped me, dwarfing even my most oversized shirts; and before I could question him about the fresh marks adorning his stomach, he scooped me up into his arms to hold me in a bridal-style embrace.

Audibly confused, the doctor quickly returned to my bedside and looked even more surprised when she saw the scene before her. We exchanged a look, and I guess the situation was self explanatory enough for her to understand who was the 'partner' she asked for before his crashing arrival. Meanwhile, I was already curling up against him, feeling his powerful muscles wrap around me, allowing my lover's strength to swaddle me whole.

"Alright, but don't forget your medications," she conceded as she fetched the paper bag, her amusement evident in her smile.

"Yes, yes, I'll make sure she takes them," König assured quickly, eager to leave.

I secured the bag between my sling and my stomach, and König strode away from the infirmary, carrying me as easily as he walked. With my eyes closed, I leaned into his chest, content to let him bring me wherever he wished as long as I remained by his side. We were briefly halted by colleagues in concern for my state along the way, and I managed to reassure them with a weak but sincere smile. They thankfully didn't comment about König holding me like he was, and they instead wished me a fast recovery.

When we finally reached his room, König gently lowered me onto his bed as if I were the most fragile creature he'd ever touched. With my permission, he helped me undress ever so softly, then carried me to his bathroom so I could clean myself from all the dirt and grime still clinging to my skin. Sat directly on the shower tray, I closed my eyes, surrendering to the delicate touch of his hands as he gingerly avoided the bandages scattered around my body. His ministrations were gentle, his touch tender, and I nearly drifted off to sleep as he tended to my hair, his fingers feeling heavenly good as they slowly massaged my scalp.

Once finished, he wrapped me into a large towel and placed me back onto his bed to continue with drying my hair, then retrieved one of my clean pajamas from his dresser, and I had to stop him or else he would have dressed me too. He clearly had a hard time leaving me on my own for even one second—though I assured him multiple times I could manage from there, and that he needed a much deserved shower too. After another round of negotiation is when he finally understood that even the supplications of his blue irises wouldn't work on me this time, so he begrudgingly relented. He planted a soft kiss on my forehead before retreating to his bathroom, his shoulders slumped in defeat.

As I dressed myself in the light clothes and carefully put the splint back on, I took in the familiarity of his room, appreciating every little detail like I was experiencing it for the first time again. I took note of some of the evolutions I participated in, like my stuff cluttering the top of his dresser… Or the funny drawing I made of him still hanging on the wall beside his desk... Of the warmth of the place, the smell of the sheets… It fulfilled me, rendering me completely feeling at home.

I had to take deep breaths to calm the tears threatening to spill again—I wasn't sure why this moment was hitting me so hard, but the sense of comfort and safety was indescribable.

When König came back only wearing a spare mask and fresh boxers, I had already slipped beneath his bedsheets, seeking some warmth during his short absence. He swiftly closed the curtains before joining me and immediately wrapped his arms around me—and the familiar fragrance of his body wash sent another wave of immense relief right into my sore system.

"Don't you have some kind of reunion or debrief you have to attend...?" I asked in a whisper, already trying to sweep under the rug last night's shitshow by acting like normal.

"And leaving you like this? Never." he replied, imposed even, his voice soft yet still conveying that you-don't-have-a-say tone of his.

His arms had never embraced me more than in that moment, securing me against his damp skin as if he was a shelter, a fortress forever protecting me from the horrors I suffered. Being reassured to see that the wounds on his abdomen were indeed only superficial, I buried my face, my exhaustion and my anguish in his chest, feeling safe with him again... Safe and loved and at ease, his arms a shield, his scent a warm fire I wanted to fall asleep close to.

Words weren't needed to appreciate the blessing brought by this shared intimacy—for a time there was nothing: no battle, no pain, nothing but feeling at peace in the sanctuary König was embodying.

 

My mind, body, and soul finally surrendered to the murmurs of sleep, where each of his breath felt like a sweet caress and every of his heartbeat like a soothing lullaby.

Chapter Text

Bound to that rusty chair once again, my entire body was trembling and soaked to the bone. While Karl was methodically shredding scraps of the fabric still able to cling to my battered form, Shadow was leaning close, his incessant whispers venomous in my ear, insisting that König was a traitor again, and again.

"Face it now, you were fooled from the start…" he sneered, his smirk audible through his mocking tone, his breath hot and foul against my face.

"Lies! You're full of shit!" I shouted as I strained against my bounds, but my limbs remained stubbornly unresponsive.

"If you don't believe me, you can ask him yourself…" Shadow murmured as he pointed at the void, where a towering silhouette began to materialize, its presence menacing as it grew closer. The figure’s stance was rigid, its expression cold and detached, its shape slowly starting to take on the features of the man I thought I knew so well.

"I'm sorry, Schatz."

König's apology was flat, sounding more irritated than sorry, his accent eerily too similar to Shadow's to pretend I hadn't already spotted the resemblance days ago.

"König, please, don't do this!" I implored, my voice breaking as he reached for the edge of his mask in the exact same motion I would witness every night.

Just as the veil began to rip away, I jolted awake with a pounding heart and a skin clammy with cold sweat. Panic clung to me, choking me breathless, and I could only prop myself with one hand since my other arm remained uselessly trapped in a sling—a frustrating reminder of my injury despite already two weeks of "rest".

I flinched at the gentle touch on my back, but immediately recognized the warm hand delicately making contact with me.

"Bad dream?" König probed in a rasp whisper, his sleepy voice heavy with concerns.

"Hmm…" I managed, swallowing hard past the lump in my throat, unable to say more.

"Come here, Liebling," he offered as his hands softly guided me into his embrace, and my head mechanically nestled into the crook of his neck.

Unlike when König was recovering from his thigh injury, there was nothing pleasant about my convalescence: every night since my rescue, I'd jolt awake in terror, stealing König's much-needed sleep even though he's not the one off-duty. And, yet, he'd always stroke my hair until I drifted back into a restless slumber…

Tonight, however, I knew sleep would completely elude me; my chest feels heavy with guilt as I'm realizing I now feel unsafe even when out of the nightmares. I wouldn't admit it to myself over the past few days, but I had to face it now: Shadow’s words had taken root so deep within me that I can't help being scared of what König could possibly hide from me beyond his mask.

"I'm here Schatz, nothing can happen to you anymore," I heard above me, making me realize the gravity of my thoughts. His arms were still holding me tightly against him like if he could absorb all my pain and traumas, he would and without hesitation.

König's voice and words, no matter how hard they tried to reach and pull me away from this darkness, had only temporary effects. I had sought help from the KorTac’s psychologist, I really tried, but each attempt ended abruptly every time I got to the Karl part. A knot would form in my throat, rendering me speechless for the rest of the session. König thankfully never pushed me to open up, but it was evident it profoundly pained him that something was troubling me so much I'd have relentless night terrors about it.

If only he knew…

But how could I explain that Shadow’s accusations haunted me, replaying endlessly in the back of my brain like a broken record, painting him like the villain he is not?

It was agonizing to constantly teeter between thoughts and feelings, logic or emotion, rationality over loyalty... To harbor even a sliver of doubt about the man who loves me like no one else before hurt deeply—and yet, it felt equally irresponsible to ignore the nagging truth, the intolerable fact that König and Shadow must know each other somehow.

I'll have to confront him about it one day or another, since my doubts seem unable to vanish on their own—but telling König about my nightmares feels like admitting I don't trust him anymore. The mere thought of the pain reflecting in his blue eyes was always enough to bury my resolve deep in the recesses of my paranoid mind.

But if I don't do anything soon, I'm going to lose my sanity.

No, in fact, I might already be going crazy—else, why would I be rifling through his personal belongings first thing in the morning if not?

Sleep-deprived and desperate, I wasn’t even sure of what I was seeking after, nor if I could handle the truth it might bring, but I rummaged through his things with trembling hands nonetheless. My heart wouldn't stop racing, torn between the fear of confirming my worst suspicions and the hope I was simply being irrational.

Finding nothing of particular relevance on his desk nor under his bed, I turned to his dresser, digging beneath his neatly folded clothes in search of a clue, something, anything that would ease my doubts. When my finger bumped into something cold and metallic—an odd finding in a drawer full of socks and boxers—my heart missed a beat. I retrieved the object and identified it as an old-school biscuit tin, the German words on it hinting at its origins but providing no real answer yet.

I risked opening it there, on the floor, and eyed its contents for a good minute or two. The reason for that pause was simple: on top of little trinkets scattered inside lay an old photograph of a woman. It wasn't black and white, just obviously taken with some kind of disposable camera where you had to develop the film afterward. Her eyes were what drew me in first—icy blue, tired, and sad despite the small, forced smile on her lips. I picked up the photograph with extreme delicacy, wondering who she was to König, and found the answer neatly written on the back:

Mama, 1992.

The information hit me like a cold shower, making my stomach drop—I'm not supposed to see that, to see her.

The rush of guilt and shame was instantaneous, aggravating the already heavy weight settled on my chest. Going through his things like a crazy girlfriend is not what I should be doing, for fuck's sake!

As I aimed the photograph back into the box while hoping I hadn’t crossed an unforgivable line, that's when my eyes fell on what was hidden underneath: amidst the various collectibles was a small, metallic brooch resting atop a few other medals.

I hesitated again, tormented between what would be the right thing to do, or to succumb to my instincts… And I finally gave in and traded the photograph for the intriguing emblem.

The first detail that stood out to me was the gold sword in the center, then my gaze traced the simple triangular shape formed by two opened wings before ending on the parachute at the top. After having inspected it carefully in trying to decipher its meaning—since there were no words on either side—I finally recognized the almost faded red and white stripes of the Austrian flag between the wings.

Leaving the box behind, I grabbed my phone and tried my luck with a reverse image search and found what the badge represented: it was the insignia of the Jagdkommando, an Austrian special forces unit. With a mind even more full of questions than answers, I delved into the Wikipedia page, then explored the sources cited at the end, and after even read through some articles on random websites…

I became engrossed in learning anything I could find about what seemed to be a piece of König's foggy past. Each piece of information painted a picture of a highly elite and secretive military unit: the rigorous physical and psychological tests, the intense combat training, the survival courses, and the unwavering discipline required all pointed to König’s natural resilience and strengths.

The more I read, the more conflicted I felt. Although I had now the explanation behind König's exceptional abilities, I had trouble making sense of it—why had he never mentioned this part of his life to me before? I hadn't pressed him for details either, but his service was clearly an achievement to be proud of. And, why would he leave the elite for a private military, so far from his native land? To escape from his dad?—no, it can't be that, he told me he and his mother got away when he was still young...

My intuition urged me to dig for more, lulling that there must be something I was still missing. But now, after having exhausted the few pages available in English, I had to rely on what the automatic translations of the German sources were willing to offer. I read a page or two that provided not much more than I already knew, then stumbled upon an almost 8 years old news article that made my blood run cold. My phone slipped from my grasp as I suddenly felt like I was still trapped in one of my nightmares, but the sharp pain I got when I pinched my forearm could only confirm that it was indeed the reality—as much as a cruel joke it appeared.

That's him.

That's. Undeniably. Him.

My mind raced with millions of thoughts as I absentmindedly returned the brooch to the box and placed it back in the drawer. I hesitated between staying here or to flee for my room—no, I need to calm down and be rational, there must be an explanation. There has to.

I have no idea how much time had passed when König returned later that day. I remained sitting on his bed, knees drawn to my chest, unable to stop ruminating over and over again on Shadow's words, König's secrecy, the photograph of his mother; they all swirled in my mind hand in hand with a ferocious, chaotic storm of emotions. All the while my phone lay untouched—I couldn't bear to uncover more on my own.

"I'm back, Schatzi," König called softly, his voice kept at a low level so as to not startle me.

Guilt hit harder as even from his bed I noticed how tired he looked, undoubtedly because of the sleepless nights I had caused him. I wasn’t proud of snooping around—even if it only was in the hope to prove my fears wrong, in the end what I found was just more trouble. I know I love him deeply, that much was certain, but gosh do I want to run away now—will I even find the courage to talk to him?

"I was able to finish early to—" he began, but his voice trailed off when he noticed my grave expression, "—day…?" he finished, puzzled.

"Is everything alright, Schatz?"

He hesitantly took off his helmet, and I forced a sharp breath in to brace myself.

"Can you come here? We need to talk."

His confusion turned into immediate concern as his legs quickly carried him over to me. When he sat down, the mattress dipping under his weight, I felt the roaring of conflicting emotions growing stronger again: love, uncertainty, fear—but above all, an urgent need to know the truth.

"What is it?" he inquired, his eyes searching for mine, worry evident in his tone.

He was probably expecting me to open up on what happened during my captivity; but now, with all the different suspicions gnawing at me, with what I saw, I don't even know if I can still trust him.

"König, I need to request something I know I shouldn't, but I don't have a choice anymore," I started, my eyes finally able to meet his, the resolve in them being as painful as it was reassuring to witness.

"Go on, Liebling. You can ask me anything," he invited, his voice particularly cautious as he took my hand in his.

The gentle way his thumb stroked the back of my hand made me reevaluate my request again: I'm about to potentially destroy everything we built together—but I have to do this, I need answers, and I need them now.

I closed my eyes, steeling myself against the vulnerabilities, the inner demons, the intrusive thoughts… and hesitated one last time before managing to ask—

 

"Can you show me your face?"

Chapter Text

His breath caught in his throat as much as mine did, but for wildly different reasons. His thumb stopped all motion on the back of my hand as a heavy silence followed my question, his grip tightening slightly, not in anger but in a way that conveyed the weight of what I was asking for.

"Is this about your nightmares?" he finally asked back, his interrogative eyes easily hooking my shifty ones.

"I... I just—" I first hesitated, my thoughts spinning in different directions not helping. "When I was... tortured," I started, wincing through the memories already flooding back, "Shadow, he… He rejoined his men toward the end."

König stayed still, choosing to remain silent and attentive since he was already aware of that fact from Soap and Ghost's report. But, what I was about to tell him, no one heard it before: a part of me stubbornly held onto the belief that Shadow's words were of no relevance—but, deep down, I always knew something about them was wrong and compromising.

"He tried to recruit me, but I refused, again and again," I continued with a trembling voice, "so he... talked about you, insinuating he knows you, that you are both connected somehow—and I assure you I don't want to believe him, but I..."

König seemed petrified by my words, his hold on my hand flattering the more I talked. I looked away in shame, struggling to formulate my request in the most reasonable way possible, even though it felt like nothing but an irrational one.

"I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something I don’t know. I love you König, I want to trust you, I really do—but I can't keep doubting you like this, it hurts too much…!" I avowed, my voice cracking toward the end as my emotions got the best of me.

"Schatz..." he mumbled as he gently squeezed my hand again, flinching as if my pain had physically gone to him. He leaned closer and cupped my cheeks with his warm palms, his gaze effortlessly sinking into mine to redirect my focus to him.

"I'd never do anything to hurt you, I promise..." he assured as he took his time to look at me, registering every little aspect and asperity of my face like it was the last time he could do so. His eyes looked almost foreign to me, there was something in them that I had never seen before, something close to… fear.

"There are things about my past that I haven't shared—not because I wanted to hide them from you, but because they're difficult to talk about," he sighed as he closed his eyes and rested his forehead against mine for a bit, seemingly bracing himself for what was going to undoubtedly follow.

"But you're right, you deserve the truth," he conceded in a near whisper, and my hands started shaking from the foreboding his strange behavior was giving. His heavy eyelids then slowly opened again, his expression looking both apprehensive and, yet, somehow determined.

My heart was pounding like an abused drum when one of his hands went to the bottom edge of his veil and slowly pulled the fabric up, first exposing the balaclava underneath. His eyes stayed downcast as he reached for the last shield between me and his identity, hesitating for a moment before finally ripping it away from his face.

It was as if time stopped, a suspended moment where I could scrutinize him as much as I'd want to. The known details mingled with the ones I had never seen, like that small scar near his left brow I managed to notice just before his reddish-brown locks fell over it when he quickly tussled them back into place. His eyes, the same gentle and loving eyes I had always known, now looked at me with an intensity that spoke volumes, silently begging for acceptance.

I stared at him in complete shock. The man before me felt both familiar and new, like an unfinished puzzle being now completed—and even though I knew by heart the few pieces I had at my disposal until now, the new ones linking everything together in that bigger picture painted him as a stranger for my eyes.

I could have dwelled so much longer on his face, on each of his scars and how they compliment his visage; on that mark on his nose he probably gained after getting it broken; on the sharpness of his jaw, but also on how his high cheekbones balance it out because they makes him look cute and approachable; to then linger on his eyes once again, studying how his blue irises match with his pale complexion—but more so on how the grease paint around them make him look like a funny raccoon; and I would have surely finished by noticing the tick in his jaw as he awaits for my reaction...

I could have—

But I was robbed from it the second I recognized him. Years had clearly passed in between the König before me and the one from the news article, but the resemblance was unmistakable: even without a buzz cut, that icy gaze, those scars, that grave look—

Everything was happening exactly how Shadow said it would: I'm able to identify him, and there's no doubt possible.

"No fucking way..." I muttered under my breath as I instinctively retreated from him, my able hand closing around my chest while my feet curled closer to my thighs as I tried to make myself smaller.

"Schatz…? Please, say something..." was all he could manage, and being able to witness his face stretching from the shock of my reaction sent another wave of shivers right down my spine.

"You're..." I hesitated, as if saying it would definitely seal the truth—a harsh, unbelievable, and unfair one for the matter. Then, as if my brain had saved that last bit of information for last, a flashback from way back hit me with startling clarity:

∗ ∗ ∗

"Come on now, you really don't want me to call you by your real name?" I chuckled as I straddled König onto his bed, his strength unchallenged as he let me playfully pin him down.

"My lips are sealed," he dodged with a smirk.

"Not even one letter?" I bargained before he suddenly wrapped his strong arms around me, immobilizing me so effortlessly against him.

As I tried to wiggle free, one of my hands ventured to his middle to tickle him—but he caught my wrist before I could even start.

"L" he only gave, and my eyes jumped straight up to meet his gaze.

"L? You mean your name starts with an L?" I asked in a hurry, enthusiasm already bubbling in my chest.

"Maybe," was all he cryptically answered back.

"What about the other letters?" I eagerly pressed as I leaned even closer, not able to stop probing further.

"Lost them," he shrugged while his hands were already gliding under my shirt to pinch my sides, which made me squeal with surprise.

"Oh, come on!! You're no fun!" I protested as I tried to squirm away, but he kept me safe and bound to him like I was actually glued to the man.

"But teasing you is funny enough, Liebling," he chuckled, sounding satisfied, and it's only when I stopped moving like a rabid chihuahua that he sealed the conversation by planting a kiss on my forehead through his mask.

∗ ∗ ∗

Fuck. Even the names correspond—at least the first letter. It was in front of my nose all. this. time.

To think I naively wished he'd eventually show me his face on his own when he'd be ready… But I have to face the facts like they are—he would have never revealed it to me, and the reason was crystal clear now:

"You're a traitor… a traitor and a terrorist…" I finally managed to utter, my voice losing more and more of its intensity as the shock completely numbed me down.

König winced at my accusations, but he didn't deny them and only looked away, his gaze falling to the floor before trying to push his weak defense.

"What Shadow told you are lies, this was his way to mess with you. Let me explai—"

"Explain what??" I cut him, my voice rising as betrayal finally kicked in, churning inside my chest, "The fact that your face has been exposed to the whole fucking world because you betrayed your own country? I was in the army, König, how could you think I wouldn't know what you've done?!" I almost shouted before jumping out of the bed.

"I can't believe it, this is a nightmare..." I muttered to myself as I went and faced the wall.

I couldn't even look at him anymore—memories we made for so many weeks, months, were flooding my mind, and the thought of having shared all those precious moments with a traitor made me want to vomit.

"Please, just listen," he begged as he got up and gently grabbed my elbow, his touch grounding me back, his eyes desperate to connect with mine.

"Don't touch me..." I whispered, the deception cutting in too deep to even be mad. There was so much heartbreak and disappointment packed into that one sentence that I saw as it broke something in him, but I couldn't care—this new reality was too big of a pill to swallow.

"Do you really think that I could ever do something like this? You know me, Schatz," he argued weakly, his eyes still searching for mine, desperate for a sign of forgiveness or compassion on my end.

"Do I?" I shot back dryly, leaving my heart secured into a mental box to shield me from the impending, inevitable pain.

König recoiled as if struck, his eyes wide with shock; but feelings of disgust and hatred brewed within me, imbuing me with their toxicity, urging me to let them out.

"All I know for sure… is that you're currently wanted by Interpol, because -you- gave terrorists highly confidential intel," I accused while pointing at him.

"All. I. Know." I repeated like a bird while pocking his chest in sync with the words, pausing just to crane my neck up so I could deliver my poison right at his bare face, "Is that I've always hated your guts because I lost colleagues, friends, brothers in arms in those attacks. It may have been by proxy—but for me, you are as responsible as the bastards who plotted them!"

"It's not what happened, Schatz, you have to believe me. I've been set up—"

"Set up?" I interrupted, my voice rising beyond my control. "Wow, that's so convenient now that I know who you are! How can you still expect me to believe anything you'll say?!"

I stepped back in a reflex as he reached out again, leaving his hand hovering in the air between us as I shook my head slightly left and right.

"Don't try to justify yourself. Don't even dare say it wouldn't matter to you if tomorrow you'd learned that I betrayed my country by collaborating with criminals, resulting in having the blood of hundreds of civilians on my hands."

There wasn't a trace of doubt in my voice as I went on, exposing just how much he had destroyed: not just the life of innocent people, but our relationship as well.

"You're a disgrace to the army!" I finally shouted, anger surging through my veins faster than I could manage.

My words hung in the air as his mouth opened and closed, trying to find something to say that could change my mind—even though my trust was shattered beyond repair.

"Please, just give me a chance—" he tried nonetheless.

"Stop, I've had enough," I dismissed him harshly, too enraged to even be in the same room as him anymore. My heartbeat was thundering in my ears, as if the blood in my veins and the air in my lungs wanted nothing more than to come back out. I headed straight for the door, not bothering to collect my things before departing—

"No, stay! Just let me—" he pleaded, his voice reflecting his horror.

"Don't." I cut him as my trembling hand managed to close on the door handle.

"Just hear me out, Schatz, please, I beg you..." he implored the moment I opened the door and stepped into the corridor, my bare feet barely registering the cold floor underneath.

The crack of his voice made me turn around, forcing me to look at the man I thought would be the love of my life one last time from the doorway. The full range of emotions on his face—sadness, regret, fear—stabbed my heart as much as it reminded me why I haven't been able to see it all this time.

 

"And never call me like that again!!" I boomed, my eyes stinging with anger as I slammed the door shut behind me with a finality that echoed the end of everything we had shared.

Chapter Text

Back into my shitty military bunk, my eyes couldn't fixate on anything but my hand lay on the mattress, empty, bereft of the warmth and touch of a much larger one. My thumb was silently resting against my index finger, heavy like a dead weight, incapable of moving even though I no longer needed to wear my splint. At least my eyes don't burn today. I wasn't crying when I woke up for once: even if the nightmares oddly ceased after I made König reveal his… identity, they were now replaced by something less aggressive yet still deeply wrenching, leaving me with a hollow ache in my chest every day since waking up alone became my new 'morning routine✨'.

I had a week to process, a week filled with an overwhelming desire to yell at him, to expose how much he had hurt me and perhaps to return the favor, but also a week to ruminate on the reasons why he kept his secret from me—the foremost being that he valued his limited freedom outside a cell more than me. And when I thought it couldn't be worse, that's exactly when KorTac's higher-ups summoned me: they revealed that they indeed knew König's real identity all along before giving me a stern, threatening reminder that disclosing even a hint of this information would be a severe breach of the privacy contract I signed. Honestly, it made me even more repulsed by König: I could easily picture him running to our director and beg for some damage control, cementing the fact that he always had something to feel guilty about.

And yet, that moron still has the audacity to slip small notes under my door every day. I haven't bothered to read them of course—though I can't bring myself to throw them away either. But today is different: today I didn't cry. So, knowing he's being sent away on a mission in a few days, I decided I'd gather all the notes and return them with a nice "Fuck you." memo when I'll retrieve my things I left in his room with my spare key.

Gosh… Look at me, fumbling my way out of my own misery…

How could I have been such a fool?

He always seemed so... sincere. And the way he looked at me—how could I have mistaken that for love? Our relationship (if I can even still call it like that) could have only survived in hiding—and only in the event that I would have accepted his past of treason and forgave his months of lies, which is not and never will be the case.

To have thought he was the one—the person who succeeded in making me rethink everything I knew about partnership, marriage, true love. It wasn't the first time a man had played me, but this... Oof, this is going to be excruciating to move on, I just know it.

Add that to our colleagues who literally couldn't understand such a drastic turn in our not-so-secret relationship, and you have the perfect recipe to be at the center of even more frustrating events. Their constant questions and speculations only made everything worse, so avoiding everyone became my sole objective. And, in the midst of this newfound isolation, I ended up seeking comfort in a very dark place—the shooting range.

The sound of gunfire was my only companion as I trained relentlessly, hoping it would numb this pain at some point. But no matter how many drills I ran, the feelings of emptiness and betrayal wouldn't go away. Every time I broke a record, it didn't even bring me a jiffy of joy as I simply moved on to the next target like a machine, an emotionless drone stuck in an endless loop of firing my weapon again, and again, and again, and again.

The rest of the time, you could find me tidying and organizing the countless storage rooms KorTac had at its disposal. It wasn't fulfilling either, but it at least kept me occupied while I was still grounded to base—which also meant I still couldn't go on a mission as far away from König as humanly possible. I even considered if it wouldn't be easier to just leave this organization altogether—but I wasn't willing nor ready to make another life-changing decision just yet.

Though, all the wisdom I thought I had gained this morning evaporated in a matter of seconds when I went about my daily tasks: the anger I thought I finally managed to tame surged back, reaching a new, unpredictable peak when I saw König talking with one of the new female recruits. Here they were, near the north storage warehouse I was planning to clean, chatting right in the middle of my path.

I usually don't pay much attention to the newest recruits, but her, I noticed her right away: slim, athletic, and effortlessly beautiful from her blond hair down to her perfectly manicured nails. And when I expected to hear about some of her bratty behavior or other whims, it came surprisingly as nothing but praises on how her skills matched her beauty. Witty, fast, and bloody efficient were just a few of the compliments I overheard when passing by people I couldn't avoid.

Choosing to remain hidden behind the corner I was still hugging onto, observing the scene from afar like a pathetic girl, I could easily see the big doe eyes she was making at König. Numerous were the men that tried their luck already, but I guess the only one not trying to pursue the new girl caught her attention the most. In front of her, König remained true to himself (which means staying mostly cold and stoic), but he wasn't actively putting her back in her rookie place—not like he did with me, where he did not hesitate to show off his sparing capabilities just because he spotted me dozing off in a boring meeting. I couldn't help my grip tightening on the broom stick I was holding, knuckles turning white as my stomach began to churn.

The echoes of her carefree laughter captured my attention back—damn, even her laugh sounds perfectly tuned. Her hand landed on König's biceps just as my eyes snapped back to them, and even though the urge to storm over and confront them was almost overwhelming, that's when I decided I had seen enough. While retracing my path to the shooting range, I couldn't do anything besides swallow the sour and illogical jealousy that rose with the burn of bile in my throat. Even if it made no sense, it was there: I still love him—as much as I wish I did not.

The sharp crack of gunfire filled the air as I fired round after round, each shot a release of pent-up anger and sorrow. And when I thought I couldn't sink any lower, the targets blurred before me, slowly being replaced by the image of König and that new recruit, their laughter echoing in my mind. That bastard must be so glad to already have a new, talented, better-looking rookie to replace me with, someone who'll drink all his words, who'll believe him when he says he loves her—

"FUCK!" I yelled as I violently threw my noise-canceling headphones to the ground. I lowered my weapon, feeling the weight of my own helplessness heavy on my shoulders—I want to hate him, to cut him out of my heart completely, so why couldn't I?! My head was hanging low as I felt tears of rage welling up, but the sound of a whistle immediately froze me in place.

"Damn, what did that bloody target do to brass you off like that?" a smooth voice called, revealing its owner—but not how long he had been watching.

I turned to see the curious expression of Kyle Garrick as he was leaning against the wall with a raised eyebrow, clearly intrigued by my outburst. It's only the second or third time I've encountered him, and oh god if only it could have remained at one less. Since Ghost and Soap saved me, other members of their task force—including Kyle—have rejoined our side and have been staying here ever since. I didn't cross paths with them often since I mostly cloister myself in my own dejection, but the few times I did were enough to understand that Ghost was just as bitter as when he rescued me (a fact he seemed to enjoy throwing back at me for some reason), Soap had too much energy to spare, and Kyle is just what it takes to balance them out.

We stared at each other for a few more seconds before I decided to pick up the headphones and left without asking for my rest, leaving Kyle to his confusion, and me to my embarrassment as I wiped my eyes angrily.

I was quite exhausted—but mostly frustrated—when I went to the shared amenities later that day to prepare myself a cup of coffee. Despite another binge cleaning session and that much-needed break at the shooting range, I couldn't stop thinking about König and that new recruit—Alix if I heard right.

Uhrg, if only I could stop caring already…

I didn't bother looking behind me when I heard someone enter the room, still too absorbed self-pitying over my poor life choices. Though, as I sensed the person looming behind me while I was waiting for the coffee machine to heat up, a new wave of anger washed over me: Horangi had tried multiple times to reason with me—so it was obvious he was the one waiting for yet another opportunity to start a conversation and not-so-subtly drift the topic back to that traitor again.

"Leave me alone, I already told you that I don't want to talk about him!" I snapped, only to realize my error when I heard a deep, British response over my shoulder.

"My, your temper is almost as bad as your aim."

Dread quickly replaced my frustration as I whipped my head around to confirm who it was. I froze in front of a Ghost standing straight as a pin, his arms folded over his broad chest, his gaze unfazed.

"Let me guess, it's the German lad who got you so worked up again?" he easily guessed, his voice flat and devoid of any underlying implication.

"I beg your fuckin' pardon?" I snapped, ignoring the fact that my arm still needing a few physiotherapists sessions was anything but an asset in a potential confrontation.

His calm and quiet exterior was in no way affected by my sudden outburst—if anything, he seemed to enjoy that his provocation got such a rise out of me.

"If it wasn't clear enough, I'll be nice and dumb it down for you. Are you this agitated because of the man you used to share a bed with?" he reiterated bluntly, his tongue sharp, his words cutting effortlessly through the fragile self-esteem I was struggling to maintain.

I could only narrow my eyes at him, imagining for a fleeting moment the prospect of ripping his mask off to poke his eyes out with my thumbs—not that I'd manage that feat without losing my life in the process though.

"What about… you minding your own business?" I shot back, my voice trembling with the effort to keep my emotions in check as I turned back to the coffee machine, willing it to hurry up—but Ghost continued anyway, as if on a crusade to hurl snarky remarks my way whenever the occasion presented itself.

"I can mind my own business when your own won't be so obvious," he pointed out, his deep voice now ringing with sarcasm.

I flinched, causing the spoon I was holding to drop onto the counter. Feeling my nerves already on the verge of breaking, I took my time to measure my breaths—getting angry would only prove him right, and I refuse to give him that satisfaction.

"Just because you rescued me doesn't mean you have a right to my private life, Ghost," I simply stated, suppressing the needling urge to punctuate my answer with a dose of 'and go fuck yourself, asshole'.

"Hm. And you could take this anger and actually use it for something productive, instead of breaking targets and yelling at coffee machines," he replied, his tone still infuriatingly even. "But maybe I should bring you back to that warehouse, so your German shepherd will be the one bothered to save your arse?" he did not joke, but outright threatened.

I faced him again, tense like a bow ready to fire. I had a few opportunities to see how he and König were always like fire and gasoline—but him coming after me in what I suppose is another way to get at König was a limit I wasn't willing to ignore anymore.

"Is that what this is about, Ghost? Stop beating around the bush and go take it out and measure yours with his already instead of pissing me off!" I snarled before trying to leave him on that note—not that he would let me.

"Hold up princess, I'm not finished," he grumbled, now visibly annoyed as he caught my arm to force me to stay. "Avoiding him like the plague does not only make you look like a twat, it's about to jeopardize this entire operation. Are you even aware of that?"

I tensed from the grip he had on my upper arm and had to take a few seconds to suppress the exaggerated fight-or-flight response it provoked me. But I finally rose to the challenge in his eyes and answered: "I fail to see in what way, Lieutenant."

"Fucking hell—you're too caught up in your little spat with the German to realize what's actually at stake here!" he scolded, his voice growing intense, his grip tightening as my defiance angered him. "Shadow has plans to spread out internationally and is already taking first steps. You're the only one alive who got to face him, so use that bloody advantage to bring him down."

"I already reported everything that happened, you know I never saw his face," I shrugged flippantly as I rolled my eyes to the ceiling. Shadow is the least of my worries right now—last time I was sent on a mission to stop him, we all know how it ended.

"You don't get what I'm saying," he sighed before deciding to try a different approach, "you have eyes and ears, so you know how he dresses, how his voice sounds, and the people he keeps around him. Surviving him makes you a tactical asset, whether you want it or not."

An asset—that all I was to König too. A nice, dumb girl to fuck on the side, but never someone to commit to. The admissions, although silent, brought a sharp, stinging pang to my already bleeding heart.

"Are you even listening?" Ghost grunted, his tone growing sharper, "The German is not your main issue, Shadow is."

"First, he's Austrian, and second—what would you know about it?" I snapped, exasperated by his dismissive remarks. I then locked eyes with Ghost's judgmental irises, determined to put him in his place. "About relationships, I mean. You talk like it's easy, but I'm almost willing to bait you've never loved someone—because, to be so inconsiderate… maybe you're just ignorant."

"Ignorant?" he repeated, his voice lowering slightly as his eyes grew cold, his grip tightening again when I decided to say the wrong thing. He opened his mouth to speak but had no answer to offer immediately, and the slight twitch present in his left eyebrow revealed how it really got under his skin.

"At least I avoid the kind of problems you seem to have," he finally replied, his tone icy and emotionless. "Love is a luxury, a distraction—even more in our line of work. We can't allow ourselves such things, else we become a liability."

His words sounded honest, and though his hostility lingered, I could sense he wasn't trying to hurt me with his jabs anymore. It felt more like he was speaking from experience, from a place of brutal pragmatism.

"Love is a natural thing, Ghost." I muttered, my anger deflating into a weary resignation. "We try, and sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. I've lost, yeah—but do I regret trying?" I asked aloud, keeping my head up to him although I was obviously asking myself my own question...

And the answer, as illogical and painful as it was, flowed naturally past my lips.

"No, I'm not. That's life. You should try it sometime," I finished as I easily managed to get my arm away from Ghost's loose grip.

"If you want to let your emotions dictate your actions, go ahead," he conceded, his voice softer now, almost empathetic. "But I stand by the fact it isn't worth the risk when it can mean the difference between a mission's success and failure. Use your emotions, don't let them use you."

"Why does it sound like you already had to make a decision between love and duty, then?" I asked bluntly, my curiosity too strong to suppress.

He stayed still, thinking for a moment as he seemed to consider if he wanted to answer. But, eventually, he sighed before giving a subtle nod.

"Because I did."

His honesty left me momentarily speechless, leaving us in an awkward silence where neither of us really knew how to bounce out of it. It was obvious he wasn't going to elaborate, but his small admission felt like enough.

Well, it seems we're just two lost souls in the end—maybe we have more in common than we're willing to admit.

"I'll... think about it. About the mission." I finally agreed, my hesitant voice breaking the stillness in the room.

"That's all I ask," he replied briskly, though he didn't seem finished just yet. "Just, do me a favor."

I looked at him, intrigued by what he'd still possibly want from me.

"Can you show me how the kettle works? I can't figure out how to turn this bloody shit on for some reason," he admitted, yet keeping his expression and demeanor as flat as still waters.

I couldn't help but smile at the anticlimactic request. Damn, I guess even the Ghost can't excel in every field.

"Yeah, it does that for everyone, I'll show you," I offered as I moved past him, back toward the kitchen counter.

He stayed silent, watching as I approached and pushed a random switch on the splashback—the odd mechanism being a result of some Nikto's experiment gone wrong, or so I heard. When I peeked over my shoulder to witness his reaction, I couldn't refrain a small smirk from stretching across my lips.

"You know I'll be telling everyone about this, right?" I teased, perfectly aware that I wouldn't since I value my life more than spreading gossip.

"You think it's the first time I've heard a threat like that? I couldn't give less of a damn," he dismissed, hostility already creeping back between us. As he stretched his arm past me to grab a cup in the overhead cabinets, he unexpectedly added in a whisper: "But if I hear a word about it, I'd know exactly who to look for, so you better quip it," he threatened… in a joking way, I think?

I could only roll my eyes to the ceiling, preferring to stay silent as he leaned against the counter in a relaxed manner. When he grabbed a tea bag from a tea box, I followed his momentum and pressed the button to finally start the coffee machine which had witnessed every second of our odd exchange.

"Why did the coffee file a police report?" Ghost suddenly asked, his serious tone at complete odds with what he just uttered.

I glanced back at him with a cocked eyebrow—and when I understood he was trying to make a joke, I hesitantly played along:

"I don't know… Why?"

"Because it got mugged."

A short silence ensued as the pun sank in before I cracked a snort, the coffee brewing being the only sound in the room too much for me. Though, not even a second after, a noise at the entrance caught Ghost's and my immediate attention

 

There stood König in the doorway, looking straight at the two of us—and he didn't seem pleased one bit about it.

Chapter Text

"Looks like your German shepherd found us," Ghost murmured just loud enough for me to hear, and his relaxed posture stiffened slightly.

König's eyes flicked between us, the tension in the room palpable as his fist clenched. I knew him well enough to understand he was getting the wrong idea, but it didn't even bring me an ounce of satisfaction—only a strong desire to leave.

"I'll see you later, Ghost," I said curtly, not wanting to clear the misunderstanding, and went straight toward the only way out of the room—toward him. But he didn't let me through: he stood planted where he was, the multitude of emotions brewing in him evident to my trained eyes.

"Excuse me." I asked plainly, trying to sound casual though my heart was racing.

But König didn't bulge—he was too occupied glaring at Ghost with so much rage and jealousy he seemed on the verge of exploding, their eyes locked in a silent exchange that spoke volumes.

I sighed and, as I was about to slip between him and the door frame, he suddenly grabbed me and lifted me over his shoulder as if I weighed nothing.

"Wha—?! Let me down!" I shouted while trying my best to get away from his inescapable hold.

His grip was surprisingly firm as he completely ignored my order, his long legs covering the ground quickly. My head upside down made it difficult to understand my surroundings and, as I was furiously pounding his back with my fists, I could hear giggles as we passed by a group of colleagues—great, just when the rumors had finally started to calm down!

But König made his point as he continued to ignore my protests, so I resigned myself to my new temporary role as a sack of potatoes, silently plotting a few escape routes as he continued to carry me toward God knows where.

"Giving up already? I've known you to be more combative," he grumbled, his voice reflecting perfectly his mood as it was gruff and irritated—yet… his words rang in a mysterious way in my eardrums after a week of radio silence.

"Fuck you!" I hissed through gritted teeth and punched his back again, but my attempt at resistance was cut short as he suddenly pushed a door open—the familiar smell of sweat immediately giving away the gym's interior.

"Everyone, out!" König bellowed, the rumble of his chest reverberating through my own like a jolt of electricity. His back had his warmth, his hand locked on my thigh feeling frustratingly at its place, igniting a craving I had tried so hard to suppress—a painful reminder of why I had been avoiding him at all costs.

I heard a couple of men grumbling, ready to argue that they had as much right to use the gym as anyone else, but the sight of an enraged giant carrying a woman over his shoulder seemed efficient enough to quickly change their minds.

"Let's get out of here, this must be their version of angry fucking!" a rookie giggled, but König must have shot him a death glare because what I heard next was clearly a squeal of terror.

One by one, they all left the gym while König dangerously approached one of the various training mats the space had to offer. He unceremoniously tossed me down to loom over me from all his height, his eyes burning with rage.

"What the hell, König?!" I complained as I brushed my hair back, trying to regain some of my long-lost composure.

"Ignoring me is one thing, but flirting with Ghost... is over what I can bear." he growled with a possessive edge to his voice.

"I wasn't flirting with him, and even if I was, it's none of your business!" I scoffed, holding back from mentioning what I'd seen between him and Alix earlier.

Failing to keep my own jealousy down at the mere thought of them together, I threw out the window all plans of kicking him in the nuts and instead got back on my feet to leave the place—but he immediately stepped in front of me to block my only way out, his presence filling the room as I looked up at him.

"It's my business as long as I want it to be," he affirmed in a dark tone—yet his eyes held a flicker of desperation as they narrowed.

"I care about you."

I could have scoffed again, but his words hit me like a bullet—fuck, snap out of it! How dare he say something like this after everything he did?!

"No you don't, or you wouldn't have lied to me!" I accused, struggling to keep my bottled down emotion in check.

König's eyebrows contorted at my words: I had a good point, and it showed.

"I can't undo what I did… But I swear I'll make it up to you every day God's make if you allow me to," he declared, his voice strained, desperately trying to convey sincerity now that words were all he had left. "If you could just listen to me... You never gave me a chance to explain myself—"

"Listen to what? More of your lies? You're crazy if you think I'm that dumb!" I snapped, seeing the hurt in his eyes whereas I was the one who'd been lied to all this time only fueling my anger further.

I tried to flee again to not break down in front of him, but he grabbed my wrist right before I could escape. The sudden pull had me stumble toward him, my eyes widening as I felt his warmth claim my skin again. All my rage flickered for a second as his scent managed to infiltrate my nostrils, making my head spin with a nonsensical yearning.

"Please, just listen. I never wanted to lie to you, I promise, I thought it was for the better—" he tried to explain nonetheless, his fingers twitching slightly around my wrist in an effort to ensure I stayed.

"For the better…? How can you say that lying to my face was the best thing to do?!" I cut him as I yanked my arm free and took a few steps back. "You know what, don't answer that, it was my fault for putting my trust in a man again," I laughed bitterly, my voice cracking as my throat tightened, sarcasm biting into my eyes and making them sting.

"I'm sorry," he muttered while shaking his head slightly, "I'm just a selfish bastard…" he added, his voice tingling with self-disgust.

"But I... I can't lose you…" he whispered faintly with the desperate tone of a man about to fall apart.

I stared at him, trying to keep a straight face even though I felt a lone tear rolling down my cheek.

"It's too late, König—"

"No it's not!" he interrupted urgently, "I don't ask you to forgive me, but at least give me a chance to explain," he begged as his hands twitched toward me, but he refrained himself from moving closer.

"You think you're in the position to make demands?!" I almost yelled, the lump in my throat making it hoarse and ragged. It was infuriating to feel so weak and vulnerable in front of him—that's exactly why I had been avoiding him all this time, and now he's undoing all my efforts!

"I'm not demanding, I'm pleading," he retorted, his tone desperate, his eyes not leaving mine. "I won't let you go, not like this, not without fighting for you, for us," he had the nerve to add, taunting me to contradict him as he took a step forward.

All the pain, the anger, the putrid jealousy—everything converged into a torrent of hot, burning emotions that erupted right into my veins.

"If it's a fight you want, I'll give you one!!!" I yelled as I pushed him with force; but my shove was meaningless against this beast of a man, his feet barely shuffled at all.

Out of anger, I pushed him again, and again, and again—but he didn't back away more than one step at a time. My eyes filled with tears as he simply let me shove him over and over, and when I didn't make a move to push him again, he took it as an invitation to further press his point.

"You can try to push me away, but that won't deter me. I love you." he affirmed, his voice steady and resolved as his hands balled into fists at his side.

"Liar, you're a liar!" I cried with the raw intensity of everything I had been holding back as I pushed him again, this time catching him off-guard when I shoved him with such force that it actually made him wobble back and lose his balance. I literally jumped on the opportunity to destabilize him with a precise foot kick, forcing him on his knee before he could respond appropriately.

But, as I went for the third attack, he was quick to catch my fist before it could land on his face. I willingly avoided his gaze and instead finished the job with a sharp knee jab to his chin. A growl escaped him, locking me in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions where I wanted to hurt him as much as I didn't want to see him suffer, reminding me yet again of that stupid love that clung to me like extra-strong glue.

When he slowly lifted his head, his eyebrows twisting with pain, I never felt as sorry for myself as I did now; well, at least until hatred surged back and anesthetized any other sentiment. At every ounce of anger I threw at him, he took it. He deserves it, I even told myself.

"You're making me regret the days when you'd just bite me…" he tried to joke, though it didn't have the effect he hoped it would.

"Fuck you!" I spat as I formed a fist with my free hand, but he effortlessly caught that one too when I flimsily aimed for his nose.

For a moment, the room was silent, save for our ragged breaths and my pitiful sobs. König looked up at me, a mix of pain and determination in his eyes as he stared right into my tear-filled, wrathful gaze, his irises twinkling with hope when he detected a glimmer of the love I was so resolved to bury.

"Why don't you finish what you started…" he provoked softly, his sarcasm painfully sounding so much like the König I knew and loved.

He held tight to my wrists, his breathing heavy as he pinned my hands against his broad chest, his grip lingering as if he feared I might disappear. The regret and guilt that had built up inside him for days, weeks, maybe even months showed through his blue orbs. He seemed intent to let me hit him a thousand times until I'd listen—he was always a stubborn man after all…

I steadied myself to glare at him—and I hated how he could still affect me, how his presence was making my heart race despite the resentment.

"Release me, now." I ordered as I nodded my chin toward his hands still holding mine, feeling as a blush was crawling up my neck, a hint of embarrassment, and even an inkling of affection surging faster than I could annihilate them.

"No. We're talking first," he said calmly as he started to gently stroke the back of my hands with his thumbs. "I know I'm the only one to blame for this. I have no excuses. But, if there's one thing I want you to hear… It's that, despite all my mistakes, I've always been honest about my love for you," he vowed with a bittersweet note to his voice.

"How dare you say that to my face, after all you've done?!" I complained while feeling a new wave of tears dangerously creeping up. I tried my best to hold them back, but my trembling hands betrayed me anyway—my weak heart was already swaying his way.

"Because, even though I don't deserve you, I'd give you everything and beyond. I love you, Schatz, with all my heart," he reiterated, his tone calm and infuriatingly even.

The emotions inside me were tearing me apart, and König wasn't missing a second of it. He saw how the resentment was fighting with the love, but that I was more than willing to let the anger win—to a point I couldn't think straight anymore, I was burning from the inside with an aching need for release and retribution.

"Say that to my face if you're a man!" I shouted as I freed my hands from his grasp. My finger closed on his mask and ripped it away, quickly followed by the balaclava underneath, exposing König's bare face into light.

"Come on!" I urged, deliberately ignoring the fact his secret identity could be compromised any moment someone would enter the gym.

I was doing exactly what was necessary to anger him, to remind him exactly why I hated him now; it was written all over his face. His mouth was pursed into a tight line, making me notice I actually managed to split his lower lip with my earlier jab. His eyes were filled with a rage that instantly turned into pure sadness as soon as they settled back on me. He stood there, his face fully exposed, vulnerability etched into every line of his features. For a moment, he said nothing, the weight of the situation growing more and more unbearable as time seemed to stretch on indefinitely.

"I love you," he repeated, his words hanging in the air—a challenge, and a promise.

My gaze swung up to clash with his and, again, as if a force stronger than me was taking control, I couldn't help the huge slap I delivered him. He didn't try to dodge it, he just took it. His head remained angled to the side, jaw flexed, stare fixed on the ground as his cheek began to glow red while the sound from the impact echoed around us.

If it wasn't for the flaring of his nostrils or the slight rise and fall of his chest, I could have mistaken him for a statue—stone-cold, paralyzed from the total loss of control he had over the situation. Tears welled up in my eyes again, but I refused to let them fall. I refuse to let him see how much he still means to me.

"How could you do this to me?" I asked, my voice wavering as my throat ached with a needling pain. "After all we shared... I trusted you!" I cried, or yelled, my croaky voice being accompanied in the end by a new wave of tears I couldn't stop from rolling down my cheeks.

My dismay tore at each of his strings, hitting every single weak spot. He instinctively raised a hand toward me—only to stop himself from going further, as if afraid his touch would just hurt me more.

"I know how this sounds, but I swear I was going to tell you everything once the last mission was over," he pressed.

"Liar..." I only managed to utter, fighting every instinct in me to believe him, trying to listen to reason rather than my dumb hopes.

I quickly wiped my tears as I felt one falling from my chin, and his palms darted toward mine as soon as I took them away from my face. His grip was gentle, and he concluded his silent plea by throwing the most powerful puppy eyes I've ever seen from him.

"Please, just hear me out," he whispered, his voice breaking. "I made mistakes, but my love for you was never one of them."

His words sliced through my defenses; and the way he was looking at me with that face I knew and didn't at the same time—it rendered me completely speechless, so he took that flicker of hesitation and pleaded his case one more time.

"I kept you in the dark because I didn't want to involve you in a situation that is even beyond my control. I swear I was planning to tell you the truth after the last operation, everything was supposed to be resolved once Shadow would have been locked behind closed bars…" he explained calmly, hoping to be convincing enough.

"Liar..." I repeated in a whisper, averting my gaze from his in a meek attempt to resist him.

"I'm not lying, Schatz. I wanted to tell you even though we didn't catch him, I couldn't hide that part of me from you anymore. But I postponed it because of your state, of your nightmares... I couldn't add that on your shoulders. I was waiting until you would get better, but..."

"... I beat you to it," I finished his sentence with a weak voice and a bitter aftertaste.

I searched his eyes, looking for any sign of deceit, but found none. To be able to see his emotion at full range was disturbing, to say the least. He had no mask to hide his features now, and what I was seeing was slowly melting the last barrier I put so much effort into building around my heart. And, despite my anger, despite the betrayal, a part of me wanted to believe him—to believe that at least his love was real.

"How would the last mission have changed anything?" I asked hesitantly as his thumbs wouldn't stop rubbing my palms softly. My hands in his felt so... good, so right. I wanted to squeeze back, hating how it soothed me, how it made me want to lean into him.

"If the last mission went as planned, I could have finally..." he started, but then stopped himself as if he was about to say something stupid and instead decided to start from square one.

"I was framed, Schatz. I know how it sounds, and I'd never blame you if you can't trust me again, but..." he paused, his shoulders tensing up, his gaze searching for mine, his voice dropping to a whisper, "What I want to say is—I'm not expecting you to love me again when I'm finished. All I ask is for one chance to explain."

"I don't know if I can ever trust you again…" I whispered back as another tear escaped. He released my hands, his touch gentle as he brushed the tear away.

"I'll spend the rest of my life trying to earn that trust back," he vowed softly, taking his time with his words to be sure they had the time to sink in.

I sniffled loudly as I took another good look at him. Every fiber of my being was yelling that it was a bad idea, that he had all the time to craft me a perfect story—but my heart still couldn't believe he faked our whole relationship, his 'I love you's, and his other tender gestures.

He must have a good explanation. After all, KorTac would have never hired him in the first place if he was a worldwide-wanted criminal—at least I hope so.

I slowly detached my gaze from him to let it fall onto his mask resting on the floor. I took the few steps needed toward it and grabbed it, my digits recognizing the familiar fabric the moment they made contact with it. I then looked back at him: he was eyeing me intently, his body language indicating he was longing, aching, agonizing for an answer.

For a second, I hesitated: so much memory came to me it was impossible to process them all. Even though my anger stood above everything else to remind me that I couldn't, shouldn't trust him anymore, something was pushing me to dig for more. And, while I feared this would eventually lead to another disaster, as much as I despised the idea of getting fooled again…

-

-

"Alright…" I sighed as I brought his mask back to him, "But not here."

Chapter 40

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

👑 König POV

 

"I've gone over this conversation in my head dozens, maybe even hundreds of times... So please, bear with me while I finally tell you everything like I should have said it a long time ago:

I rejoined the battlefields when I was young, too young—just 17. I was lost, angry... a mess. We had escaped my father's abuse, but the damage was already done. At school, in the streets—I was receiving so much bullying over my height and scars it pushed me to a breaking point. Fingers were always pointed at me, so I became the monster they accused me of: one day I snapped and beat the shit out of my bullies.

The next thing I knew, I was expelled from high school. I was already feeling like a burden to my mother—never the brightest, always the one who stood out for the wrong reasons—so I ran away to enlist in the German army. I was convinced it was the only place where my anger could be useful, where I would be able to tame this new, sadistic need to bite back and inflict fear in return.

Despite my youth, my size immediately made me stand out. They saw the potential in me, like a young hopeful who got immediately disqualified from sniper training—I was unable to stay still. I'd hide my face occasionally if I had to go in public before, but it turned into a daily habit as soon as I became a soldier, appearing intimidating being something that gave me some kind of twisted pleasure at the time.

It soon became a second nature to picture my dad or my tormentors in place of the enemies, transforming me into a bloodthirsty killing machine on the battlefield… So much so that I quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the youngest soldiers to join the KSK, the German Special Forces. My regiment and those around it quickly learned to fear me, just like everyone else before them. However, there was one soldier who treated me differently; he approached me as if I were just another teammate, not a monster. Confident and slightly older, he took me under his wing before I even realized it.

He called himself Josef Doss. He was a Caporal from the 4th platoon and, just like me, he was also an Austrian immigrant. Whenever he was around, he went to great lengths to provide me with structure, discipline, and even some kind of a parental figure I have to admit. He helped me mature, leaving most of my anger behind… And by my mid-twenties, I no longer needed to wear a mask in public.

The Jagdkommandos somehow heard about my prowess and thus attempted to recruit me. Josef was adamant that I should rejoin them, even if switching back to our homeland's special forces meant that we wouldn't be able to work together anymore. He was my greatest source of moral support I could ever wish for—though, in reality, it was an unhealthy dynamic: his charisma was undeniable, and his opinions always seemed superior. I considered him family, but the truth was more that I view him as a demigod.

After successfully joining the Jagdkommando and serving for some years, that fateful day arrived—the day where everything went downhill for me.

We were deployed at the German-Austrian border with the KSK, including Josef's platoon, to prevent a terrorist attack—and it was a complete disaster, as you already know. The enemy fell upon us, seemingly able to anticipate our every move. We suffered heavy civilian casualties, multiple KIA…

That night, the base felt suffocating with the weight of death, so I went for a walk to clear my head. Tracing my steps back, I heard a voice talking alone in the distance and quickly recognized it as Josef's. Curious as to why he was making a call so far from base, I approached… I didn’t want to eavesdrop, but the coldness in his tone made me wonder if everything was okay—how damn naive I still was. That's how I heard him divulge critical and highly confidential intel to whoever was at the end of the line: locations, times, entry points, you name it.

I was paralyzed, my mind reeling from what to do or how to feel. I didn't want to believe it—I couldn't accept that I had let another man besides my father betray me like that. But it's his voice that brought me back to earth faster than I could anticipate the crash.

"Kleiner? My, I didn't even hear you coming, what are you doing here?" he asked, trying to appear unfazed, though he was clearly nervous.

"You… You’re… Is it your fault that Mark and Enrich died today?" I accused, unable to stop my voice from rising.

"What are you talking about—"

"Oh stop it, you were already planning the next attack on the phone!"

"Wie bitte?! I understand that you need to find someone to blame, but that someone isn't me." he assured me dead in the eyes.

His confidence, his poise, his unwavering gaze—it felt like I was 6 again and I was being scolded by my father. But unfortunately for him, I was twenty years older, not a wary child anymore.

"Oh yeah? Then we'll settle this in the General's office. I'm sure he'll be very interested in what your phone has to offer," I ordered while pointing in the direction of the camp.

"Calm down, Kleiner. You must have misunderstood—what exactly did you hear?"

"There's nothing for me to explain. If you have nothing to hide, then move. Don't make me use force," I threatened as I stepped dangerously closer to him.

"...Alright, we'll go see your General tomorrow morning if that's what will ease your mind, but you're imagining things I tell you."

"So you can run away? If you think I'm that dumb, you must not know me that well!" I cursed, my fist and heart clenched like a vise.

There was a pause, a suspended moment where our gazes remained locked. I could feel my heart pounding in my ears—the only proof that the world was still spinning, that time was still passing, and that what I had heard... was real.

Josef finally clicked his tongue, and it was as if a mask had just lifted from his face. In an instant, he became cold and menacing, his piercing gaze freezing my blood on the spot.

"Tell me then, if I don't know you, how do you explain that?" he uttered calmly while reaching for his jacket inner pocket. He pulled out a folded piece of paper and opened it, his expression growing almost bored as he started his reading.

"Louisa Berger, born the 30th of December 1968 in Eugendorf, now living in—"

"What are you doing?!" I shouted, my heart nearly leaping out of my chest at the mention of my mother's name.

"Nothing. But only if you leave me alone tonight."

"You…" I whispered, my rage morphing into a fear that sank my stomach to the floor. My breathing grew heavy while the taste of bile was already claiming the back of my mouth, trapping me in a spiral of horror that felt like it was slowly killing me from the inside.

"That's what I thought. Now go back to your quarter and keep quiet, and your mother will be safe," he assured me as he walked to my side, his hand landing on my shoulder almost in a friendly manner, "and tomorrow, this will be just a bad memory."

He left me hanging on that threat, and I obeyed like a fucking dog. Obviously I couldn't sleep that night: I paced like a lion in a cage, guilt slowly eating away at me. My thoughts kept circling back to my mother while the weight of betraying my brothers-in-arms and my homeland was crushing me down. I replayed again and again all my memories with Josef, searching for any sign, any hint of his betrayal. Had he been playing me from the start? Otherwise, what had made him switch sides?

The wait was torture—having to choose between my mother and doing what was right made me sick. I vomited until my throat burned. I sweated until my shirt was soaked. I clenched my fists until my fingers were numb. And finally, when I resolved to report him while a plan to get my mother to safety was already in motion, I heard a knock on my bedroom door.

And the rest of the story, well, you already know it... Josef framed me for his crimes with so much fabricated evidence that my words were worthless—and to achieve that feat in such a limited timeframe, it could only mean one thing: that he had been planning for me to take the blame long before the attack.  I managed to escape and have been on the run ever since from charges I don't deserve. I left everything behind—my colleagues, my few friends, my mother… my entire life, as my identity.

I tracked down Josef in a desperate attempt to make him clear my name, but all my leads vanished when I discovered that even his identity was a lie: he was serving under a false name because he was wanted in Austria for homicide. For the next few years, I immersed myself in the European underworld, taking on one shady job after another, trying to get as close as possible to him or his criminal organization as it was my last hope of ever being able to walk freely again.

After years of solo research and wandering, KorTac was tasked to arrest me. They ambushed me while I was trailing some lousy gang deal and I really thought it was the end—that I’d be rotting in prison for crimes I didn’t commit. But then, they showed me their findings after hearing my story. The falsified evidence hadn't escaped the notice of KorTac experts, pushing them to dig enough to uncover the truth. They offered me a deal I couldn't say no to: I help them find Josef, and in return I could finally be free of any charges.

That's why I'm so often sent on solo missions, but also why I keep my distance from others… I don't want to drag anyone else into this senseless life. You have to believe me when I say that you've been my only ray of happiness since my life turned upside down, and I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough to spare you from this fucking mess."

Once I was finished telling my story, a heavy silence fell between us. Her usually gentle expression was unreadable: she stared into space, digesting the torrent of information I had just unleashed.

"Did you discover what his real name was?" she finally asked with a weak voice, still looking lost in thought.

My hand twitched, fighting the urge to pull her into a tight embrace after so many days of silence. I cleared my throat before answering, determined to not waste the only chance I had to show her that I was committed to full transparency from now on.

"It wasn't hard to find his real name. The challenge is rather that he changes his identity so often it's impossible to be certain of anything. But... Since Shadow knows so much about me, I have no doubt that he and Josef are the same person, or I should call him…" I paused, her puffy eyes meeting with mine unsettling me for a moment.

 

"Sebastian Josef Krueger."

Notes:

Summer hiatus announcement!

 

Hello to everyone! I hope y'all doing well and having a great summer too 🌞

I am finally on summer holiday, so there won't be any chapters releasing in August. I'm sorry for the long pause, but I think y'all have noticed that I take longer and longer to update my story… 😞 Nothing wrong to announce, don't worry! It's just that a lot of different things in my life went in motion at the same time, so the free time I had to write was severely cut down from what it was before. I don't know if I'll ever be able to update weekly again, but you can be sure I'll continue releasing chapters until this story is finished!! We're at 2/3 of this story, the last third is mostly planned out, I just need to write it down 👉👈

I've said it before, but I'll say it again: your support is a real driving force for me to continue writing. Y'all make me want to do better and better, so thank you all a million times for the attention you all give to my fic 🙏 And I'll especially thank @juicy_queen_mathilda for the immense help she gave me with the German translations. This story couldn't contain so many German sentences without her help!! 💖💖💖

I wish you all a great summer, and I'll see y'all back in September with the rest of this story!
Until then, I wish you all the best, take care 🫶

Chapter Text

Next morning, I woke up from a dreamless sleep, feeling neither sad nor angry for once.  I wasn’t anything, really—just... lost. My thoughts were scattered, and my words were nowhere to be found. I'm exhausted, drained by all the confessions and emotions. It was like everything had left me hollow, rendering me more of a shadow of myself than a person anymore.

When König had left me alone after spilling his whole story, the only thing I could feel then was a flicker of hope—hope that, maybe, we would somehow be able to work things through, together… But, even though his explanation made sense, it still didn't sit right with me. I had trouble processing how he managed to hide so much from me, for so long—and, also, about what else he might still be keeping from me.

As I was lying there, staring at the ceiling, I heard something in the hallway. There was a brief pause, and then I saw it: another small piece of paper being slid under my door. The faint ray of light coming from the other side was interrupted by the familiar shape of his boots, but they quickly disappeared, taking him with them.

I stayed motionless, staring at that little folded note on the floor. Part of me wanted to ignore it, like I had with all the others, to pretend it didn’t exist... but something in me stirred, itching me to read its content, to take that ever-so-small part of him with me—and, finally, I pulled myself out of bed to pick it up. I didn’t open it—I couldn’t, really, because… if I open this one, why not the others?

I glanced toward my desk, where all the other notes sat, stacked neatly in a pile; untouched, and unread. Every attempt he had made to reach out had been left there, patiently waiting for me to give them some attention, as if they too were holding their breath until I'd finally listen.

I reached for one at the bottom of the pile, unfolding it with a kind of careful reverence, as if the paper might disintegrate between my fingers. My heart thudded in my chest while my eyes scanned the words, the simplicity of them catching me off guard:

I love you. I'm sorry.

They were just two simple, short sentences—but the impact they had on me, the weight and meaning behind them, they were far from small and basic. There were no embellishments, metaphors, jokes, nothing—just two declarations that hit straight home, straight into my heart. It was just König; his raw, genuine emotions lay there through his words.

I felt my chest tighten as a rush of emotions I couldn’t name threatened to spill over. I swallowed it down, forcing myself to remain composed as I lingered over the pile—over all these pieces of him he left behind in hopes I’d eventually pick one up.

So I refolded the note, gently smoothing out the creases before placing it back on my desk, and I reached for another one, my fingers trembling slightly.

I miss you.

Again, it was simple, and again, it hit hard. I could feel the truth of it deep inside me, resonating with my own longing—I miss him too, miss the warmth of his body next to mine when I woke up, miss the sound of his laugh echoing in quiet moments, miss the way he held me when the world felt too heavy. I miss him in ways I hadn’t even allowed myself to admit, until now...

Then the next note, though still brief, continued to soften my heart.

Take it easy with your arm, don't push yourself too much.

It was caring, a reminder of how he’d always been—the quiet protector, looking out for me even when we weren’t speaking...

The fourth note caught me off guard, and for the first time in what felt like ages, I sensed the hint of a smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

Saw you at the shooting range. Your skills are becoming really impressive, Schatz.

I could almost hear the teasing warmth in his voice, the faint pride that always colored his compliments. I nearly let out a chuckle, but the familiar pet name wrapped around me like a bittersweet embrace.

All of his notes were like this: filled with his essence. Not once had he begged for forgiveness, not once had he tried to manipulate or guilt me… He simply stayed—hovering over the edges of my world, quietly present, waiting.

Then, I unfolded the last paper from the pile, and something in me broke

Take your time. I'll always be waiting for you.

My heart clenched so hard it hurt. His devotion, his loyalty, the patience he was showing me—I could picture him saying these words as I read them, his voice steady, and sincere…

Tears stung my eyes before I could stop them. I blinked hard, trying to steady myself, but the weight of it all was too much. Not once had he asked for my forgiveness, but it was there: in the silences between the words, in the spaces between the lines. And he would wait… no matter how long, for me, he would wait.

I steeled myself and finally unfolded the last note—the one König had slipped under my door just minutes ago. The familiar rush of anticipation hit me, but the words that stared back at me stole the air from my lungs:

I'm being sent with the 141 on a new potential lead to Shadow. I don't know when I'll be back, at least not before a few days, but I hope we can talk again when it's done.

The words blurred as I read them over and over, struggling to process the reality of what they meant. Time seemed to slow down, because every second felt like an eternity as my body reacted before my mind could catch up: my heart pounded in my chest while a hot wave of anxiety crashed over me, leaving me dizzy and voiceless.

"He's going away..." I whispered, my voice barely audible.

The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. The possibility that he could get hurt or... even worse, took hold of my mind. My hands trembled, and the dread I had been holding back surged in all at once. I couldn’t stop it, couldn’t control it—all I knew was that I couldn’t just sit here and wait.

Without thinking, I scrambled for my boots while still barefoot and frantic, the only thought in my head being that I have to find König before it's too late.

I slammed open the door and rushed out of my bedroom, running past anyone in my way, my breath coming in shallow, desperate bursts.

The airfield. He has to be there.

My feet pounded against the ground, focusing on only one thing: I can’t let him go, not like this—I have to reach him before the distance between us becomes something I could never cross.

By the time I finally reached the airfield, I was gasping for air, lungs burning from the sprint, but it still wasn't enough—I was too late. There was no sign of König nor the chopper waiting to whisk him away—the field was eerily empty, silent, except for the faint whisper of the wind stirring up dust and rustling the leaves of nearby trees.

I stared at the sky, half-expecting his chopper to magically reappear, to see it circling back because he’d forgotten something… But the horizon was barren except for an expanse of gray clouds rolling in, casting a heavy gloom over the base. A few cold raindrops splashed against the ground, darkening the dust and releasing that earthy scent of petrichor that always came with the first rain.

I could just stand there, frozen: my body felt disconnected, like I was trapped inside it. Sorrow crushed me down, pressing on my chest until my knees buckled from my own weight, forcing me to the ground. Yet, somehow, I stayed knelt—unable to move, unable to pull myself together. Head tilted toward the sky, hot tears finally broke free and blended in with the cool raindrops that hit my skin.

Numbness began to settle in, muting everything—except for the sound of footsteps. Heavy, deliberate steps, cutting through my haze. They moved closer, each one slow and measured, until they stopped right behind me. I didn’t turn around—I wasn’t sure I could even if I wanted to.

Then, a voice broke the silence: gruff, but surprisingly gentle, carrying with it a note of concern.

 

"What are you doing here, private?"

Chapter Text

I slowly turned my head, making out the tall figure of a man standing over me. A fishing hat sat low on his head, casting a shadow over his face, but his posture was unmistakably authoritative.

"You're soaked," he pointed out, his voice rough but not unkind. "What brings you out here?"

The knot in my throat tightened, incapacitating me from uttering even the simplest of explanations—and even if I could, what would I say? That I let König leave without so much as a word? That I was miserable and preferred to be alone, drowning in it?

My silence must have spoken for me because he gave a firm pat to my shoulder anyway, a gesture more grounding than comforting.

"C’mere," he invited while the rain continued to fall, its droplets creating a curtain of water around us.

My legs moved on their own as I followed him across the field to the nearby building, the control tower looming at its top. I hadn’t been inside often since only the higher-ups work here, managing operations where the flow of information goes in and out of base. It felt out of place to be here now, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. Not at that moment.

The man led me down a narrow hallway and into a small office. But, just before he closed the door, I caught sight of the temporary plaque on it, and that name—Cpt. Price—finally clicked into place: he's the man who leads Task Force 141, one of the most legendary figures I’ve heard about in whispers and rumors.

Great, I thought. No pressure.

Price gestured to the lone chair across from his desk, and I sank into it, still damp, the rainwater dripping from my clothes starting to form a small puddle beneath me. He settled into his own seat, leaning back slightly, studying me with that quiet, unwavering patience that felt like it could stretch on forever if he wanted it to, the scent of cold tobacco wafting to my nostrils.

"So, what’s bothering you, lass?"

His voice was steady, reassuring, but there was something magnetic about the way he carries himself… charismatic, commanding. He didn’t have to ask your attention, it was simply impossible not to give it to him. Yet, despite that pull, I couldn’t meet his eyes. I just stared at my feet, feeling small and insignificant in his presence.

Why had he even bothered with me? Everyone knows the Captain is a busy man, respected, with more important things on his plate than a broken soldier who couldn’t even form a sentence.

Price's eyes eventually narrowed before he turned to the cabinets behind him without a word, the soft clinking of glass breaking the stillness of the room.

"Whiskey? Or Bourbon perhaps?"

My eyebrows shot up before I could stop them. I know I'm a mess, but am I really at the point of drinking before noon?

He grabbed two glasses regardless, pouring a generous splash of whiskey into each. One glass slid across the desk toward me, its amber liquid shimmering in the dim office light, and the alleged alcoholic in front of me lifted his own to take a slow, deliberate sip, savoring it. For a moment, the only sounds were the soft hum of the air conditioning, the faint rattle of rain outside, and the soft clink of his glass as he set it back down.

"You gonna sit there all day or talk about what happened, hmm?"

I glanced up at him, and his eyes—sharp, piercing blue—locked onto mine with an intensity that made it impossible to look away. He looked his age, but not in a way that suggested weakness. His experience was written in the lines around his eyes and forehead, the kind of wear you only earn after years of doing what men like him do.

"I... it's complicated. You don't need to worry about it, sir," I mumbled, hoping that would be enough to deter him.

His eyebrows lifted slightly as he leaned back in his chair, looking at me like someone who had seen this kind of evasion countless times.

"Your eyes are telling a whole different story, lass."

"It has nothing to do with work, sir. It's strictly personal," I insisted, hoping it would be enough to end this conversation—but his gaze was steady, unwavering, cutting right through the wall I was trying to build.

"I’m not interrogating you for a report, if that’s what you’re worried about," he reassured, his mustache twitching slightly as his mouth pulled to the side, thoughtful. And after a deep breath, he bluntly cut through the tension, not trying to beat around the bush anymore: "It’s about König, isn’t it?"

The words hit me like a punch, making my heart skip a beat, and the look on my face betrayed everything I’d been trying to keep hidden.

"Thought so," he said to himself, but there was no judgment in his voice, only understanding.

I felt cornered, stuck—his reputation was well-earned: he has that quiet authority, the kind that makes you want to follow rather than defy him.

"You must think I’m stupid…" I muttered, my voice tinged with self-deprecation, "...not wanting to help on a mission because of a dumb fling," I swallowed, feeling a wave of embarrassment crawling up my neck.

Price’s brow furrowed, his eyes darkening as he considered my words.

"A 'fling'? That’s how you’d describe it?" he asked while folding his arms across his chest, his expression a mix of skepticism and disappointment, "'Cause that’s not what I’ve heard."

"What you’ve heard...?" I echoed, confused, causing Price to scoff lightly in response.

"Everyone’s been talking, love. You two aren’t as subtle as you think," he exposed plainly, watching for my reaction.

"Never thought you’d be one to give credit to some other base's rumors," I shot back, trying to deviate his attention; but mister Captain here still wasn't inclined to let me off the hook yet.

"Don’t underestimate a Captain’s ability to know and hear everything," he retorted, the ghost of a smile playing at the corner of his mouth. "And let’s be honest, König’s not exactly helping you both with the 'subtle' part," he chuckled, the sound low and knowing, like he was letting me in on a joke I hadn’t fully grasped yet.

I frowned, and Price’s amusement softened as he leaned forward slightly to rest his elbows on the desk.

"König is many things," he started, his tone shifting into something more serious, "But subtle? That seems pretty difficult for him when it comes to you."

His words hung in the air for a moment, giving me time to realize where this conversation was going—straight into what I wish it didn't.

"I’ve seen men like König before," he said, his words careful, deliberate, "men who’ve been through hell and come out the other side, but still carry the scars. He’s rough around the edges, sure, but from what I’ve seen—and heard—he’s not the type to give up easily. Especially not on you it seems," Price explained, gaze locked on his drink before he apparently remembered something, making him scoff in the process, "—and God forbid that one of my recruits looks at you for too long!"

I blinked again, feeling the sting of my earlier words—a fling—like a sharp slap. What I had with König wasn’t something so casual, no matter how hard I tried to convince myself otherwise for the past few days.

"In some ways, he reminds me of my own protégé," he resumed, his voice quieter now, a brief flicker of nostalgia crossing his features. "That kind of loyalty… It’s not something you find every day."

"You mean Soap?" I asked, confused about how he and König could act anything alike.

"No, not that muppet," he corrected, a puff of amusement escaping through his nose. "I was talking about Ghost. These two are more alike than they’d ever admit."

The name alone shifted the atmosphere in the room. Ghost? König and Ghost? I stared at him, trying to make sense of that improbable comparison—beside the impenetrable mask. Maybe Price saw something in both of them that no one else could, something beneath the layers… But before I could question it further, Price’s demeanor shifted again, his tone dropping into something colder, more serious.

"You know, us, soldiers…" he began, pausing as if to gather his thoughts, his eyes hardening as they held mine, "We come home to almost nothing. The battlefield becomes our life, and somewhere along the way, we forget how to live outside of it. We become shadows of the people we once were, only comfortable in the chaos," he rambled, his voice steady but low, making the truth even more cutting.

"But every now and then, we meet someone—someone who pulls us out of that darkness we live in. Someone we actually feel an attachment to," he continued, swirling the whiskey in his glass thoughtfully. "But the thing is, love isn’t in the job description for us. It’s hard to balance it. Harder than we think."

His words struck a chord deep within me, forcing me to confront the doubts that had been quietly simmering since König and I were… in a relationship. Had we always been on a collision course? Doomed from the start?

Price’s eyes softened as he recognized the conflict written on my face and, with a heavy sigh, he pushed himself off his chair. He leaned against the edge of his desk, arms crossed, his figure akin to a father about to dispense wisdom rather than a hardened military captain.

"When men keep things to themselves, it’s not about mistrust, but rather because they don't want to be a burden. We’re conditioned to see love as a vulnerability, something that can compromise us… But it can also be the thing that keeps us grounded, that gives us strength. If that's something you truly want, don't let it go, lass."

"But there’s nothing I can do now," I scoffed bitterly. "He’s gone for who knows how long," I managed, my voice cracking under the weight of my own frustration.

"Aye… it is what it is, love," he responded in resignation, rubbing a hand across the back of his neck. "But he’ll be back, so until then you’ve got to—"

Before he could finish, Price's radio crackled to life and I didn’t need to be told twice: one look from him sufficed. I stood up and made my way out of his office, feeling more worn out than relieved.

After closing the door behind me, I slowly retraced my steps down the dimly lit corridor toward the exit, my boots squeaking in a broken rhyme as I was leaving wet traces of my presence behind me. But suddenly, Price’s gruff voice echoed just as I pressed the button to call the elevator.

"Wait!" he ordered, making me turn on my heels to face his direction. It only took him a few strides to get to my position, his tall frame filling the space once again.

"You want to see him?"

 

"I may have a solution for that."

Chapter Text

"You're sure you’re ready to be back out there?" Soap teased from the driver’s seat, though his tone carried a hint of real concern. "Gas told us about that… uh, 'incident' in the range. I wouldn't want to gain another hole, if you know what I mean."

I kept my eyes on the rain-streaked window, watching as it blurred the passing lights into a hazy glow. "I’ll be fine," I replied, my voice low, "You don’t need to worry."

Soap navigated the slick, winding road, every so often glancing over at me, likely weighing whether to push the conversation further. I could feel his gaze, but I stayed quiet, letting the silence stretch between us. Just then, the car jolted over a deep pothole, bouncing us in our seats.

Soap muttered a curse under his breath before glancing my way again. "Didnae see that one…" he muttered, his usual grin being replaced by a low pout.

I laughed softly, deciding it was best to not add any comments as it would otherwise trigger what I’d come to call the “Soap monologue”—a one-sided conversation that would last until we reached our destination. Although, it's not like he needed me to get started again. Despite the pounding rain and the mission ahead, the mood inside the vehicle stayed light thanks to Soap’s endless supply of banter.

After a long ride that felt shorter than anticipated, the car finally rolled to a stop in front of a lone farmhouse, tucked away in a sea of crops that stretched to the horizon. The rain had lessened, revealing the quiet, eerie stillness of the countryside. But I had barely cracked open the door to step out when a familiar, angry voice reached my ears.

"What is she doing here?!" König’s growl thundered through the quiet. I looked up to find him looming over Soap, his broad frame casting a shadow that swallowed up the space between them.

"Calm down, will ya'? Price sent her to join us," Soap replied casually, unfazed by the giant’s anger as he leaned against the car. He had a way of diffusing tension with that easy confidence of his, like he didn’t notice—or care—that König looked about ready to tear something apart.

"And why would Price send her? She's still injured," König shot back as his eyes narrowed on the Scott, every muscle in his body coiled like a spring ready to snap.

"'She' is right here, so why don't you ask her directly?" I cut in, my tone sharper than intended as I crossed my arms and leveled a glare at König. Coming here was starting to feel like a mistake; I could already feel old frustrations bubbling up—hot, and unwelcome.

König's attention shifted from Soap and landed on me, his gaze sharp and disapproving. But beneath that, I could see something else—concern, maybe.

"You should be resting," he insisted, his voice laced with that protectiveness he never quite managed to hide.

I let out a harsh sigh before moving again. "I can handle it, this isn’t my first mission," I dismissed while brushing past him. "Now, if you don’t mind, I have a job to do."

I barely made a step before his hand shot out, catching me by the arm and pulling me back. I was spun around in one swift motion, and before I knew it, he’d maneuvered me behind a wall, shielding us from Soap’s curious gaze.

"You think you can just waltz in here and pretend everything is fine?" he half-whispered, his voice a hushed growl that seemed to thrum in the narrow space between us.

He was close, too close. I pulled against his grip, but he didn’t let go, his eyes holding a fire I hadn’t seen in a long time.

"What, you think I’m here for a vacation?" I shot back, exasperation edging into my voice, "I came because there’s a job to do. I’m not about to sit around while everyone else risks their necks."

"But you're still not in full shape," he countered, his voice taking on a slightly gentler tone despite being still laced with frustration. "You shouldn't be on the field yet."

"I can’t sit on the sidelines forever, König. And it's not up to you to decide when nor where I'm sent, whether you like it, or not," I defended, swallowing back the fact that I more willingly came here rather than being called for the job.

"Is that so? You want me to stop caring about you? That's what you want?" he scoffed bitterly, a hint of hurt tingling in his voice as his grip on my arm tightened once more.

"What if—"

"Save it for behind closed doors, lovebirds," Ghost's deep voice chimed in, the gravel under his boots somehow failing to produce any sound during his approach.

Both König and I spun around while Soap, who was still leaning against the car, chuckled quietly at the interruption.

"We're not—" König started, his voice defensive, but Ghost cut him off with a dismissive grunt.

"Good, let's move now. Briefing starts in 5," he ordered as he turned and strode off, expecting us to follow without further delay.

König's grip on my arm finally relaxed as Soap pushed himself off the car, flashing a playful grin as he walked over.

"You heard the man, time to call a ceasefire on the lover's quarrel," he teased, his eyes twinkling as he glanced between the two of us, obviously enjoying his outsider position.

I shot him a sharp glare, feeling a flush of embarrassment creep up my neck. "We’re not—" I tried to object, but König let out a frustrated sigh and stormed off, his step brisk as he walked after Ghost.

Soap, always quick on the uptake, softened as he caught the look on my face.

"Give 'im some time," he nudged me gently, his tone more genuine now, "He's just being protective… in his own grumpy way."

I managed a small smile and Soap resumed leading the way toward the rural safehouse, the rhythmic crunch of gravel under our heels filling the silence. I scanned over the reports that I was entrusted with as I walked, absorbing the latest intel gathered on Shadow's organization one last time. After my rescue, another team had scoured the warehouse I was held in, gathering crucial information like names, places, future delivery details... It wasn’t enough to dismantle them completely, but it was just what we needed to stay on their tracks.

"These reports are a goldmine," Soap commented, "Might be just what we need to finally put an end to those bastards."

Up ahead, the safehouse came into view: it was a small but sturdy-looking building nestled among the sprawling farmland. I spotted König by the doorway, his figure as solid and unmoving as the building itself. As I drew closer his gaze followed me, his expression stern and unapologetic.

Inside, the safehouse was simple yet functional. The main room was already set up for our briefing, with a large map pinned to the wall and various files and documents strewn across a table. Soap wasted no time, moving straight to the map and motioning for us to gather around.

"We’ve done a quick recon of the area," he began, pointing at a cluster of red marks on the map. "Shadow’s men are holed up in a few key spots—here, here, and here."

"It’s gonna be a covert op," Ghost continued, "We hit them fast and hard, strike before they know what’s coming."

Soap glanced around at us, his tone turning almost mischievous, "Although we are few in number, with the equipment at our disposal this is our chance to do some real damage."

König stepped forward, arms still folded as he studied the map. "We’ll need to split into teams," he said, his voice low but resolute. "We'll be able to cover each entry point and cut off any escape routes. We’ll move at dawn."

The weight of the mission settled over us, the tension rising in the room as each of us absorbed the task ahead. Soap clapped his hands together, an impish glint returning to his eyes as he broke the silence.

"Alright, then," he said, his grin reemerging, "Let’s go make some noise, shall we?"

Once geared and ready, we piled into the car. The drive to the site was quiet, each of us focused, mentally preparing for what lay ahead. As soon as we arrived, we split up into our designated team, Ghost and I heading to our respective sniper positions.

But before I could get far, a large, firm hand gripped my wrist and pulled me to the side for the second time of the day. König's broad frame dominated my space again as he looked down at me, seemingly determined to say something—but, and for a long moment, he simply stood there in silence.

"Why couldn’t you listen to me, just this once?" he murmured, his voice low and rough, barely concealing the exasperation beneath. He let out a quiet sigh, his gaze softening as he looked down at me—his eyes holding a mix of emotions: concern, frustration, but also something deeper.

Thoughts were wrestling in my head between what I could say and what I wanted to say. I opened my mouth to respond, but the words were stuck in my throat. He leaned a little closer, the heat radiating from him even more noticeable, his grip shifting as he was probably considering pulling me back to the vehicle.

"If anything happens to you out there…" he whispered, his voice barely audible. He took a steadying breath, his fingers loosening, yet still not letting go completely. He took a steadying breath, his fingers loosening, yet still not letting go completely. "Just… Stay safe, please," he pleaded, his eyes begging me to turn back and chicken this operation.

I swallowed hard, and managed a small nod as a quiet "You too" before slipping from his hold. His grip tightening briefly before he reluctantly let go, his hand falling to his side.

"Damn it…" was all he hissed under his breath.

Ghost, who was waiting for me, didn't bother to hide his irritation—ironically visible even with the mask on.

"About time," he grumbled, gesturing a sharp jerk of his head for me to hurry up.

I ignored the comment and matched his pace, feeling the weight of König's stare still on me. The thought of him worrying weighed on me, but I pushed it aside—there was a job to do, and we all would see it through.

We moved in silence through the dense woods, the only sounds around us being the rustle of leaves and the crunch of undergrowth underfoot, until we reached the point where we needed to split up again to cover different angles.

"In position," announced a thick British accent through my comms not long after, his voice even more cold and detached than ever.

"Copy. We're almost done, L.T, give us a few more sec 'n' this bairn'll be settled," Soap's Scottish baritone came in next, his voice brimming with eagerness and excitement, his enthusiasm always contrasting with Ghost's.

"Stay sharp," Ghost replied briskly as I set up my spot, my hands moving swiftly as I finished assembling my sniper rifle.

I took a steadying breath, focusing on the task ahead even while the comms continued to crackle with Soap’s eager updates. But it was the quiet "Ja" and "Copy" that König would rarely throw in his mic that held my attention the most, his voice grounding me amid the rising tension.

"All good here! Ready when you are, L.T.!" Soap finally chortled, the tension in the air thick as we all received the awaited signal.

"Let's put on a show then."

No sooner had Ghost given the green light than a thunderous explosion ripped through the distance. A barn, packed to the rafters with drugs and supplies, was shattered into a mess of twisted metal and splintered wood. Flames licked up through the remains, thick black smoke curling toward the sky.

"KA-FUCKING-BOOM BABY!" Soap exclaimed, his excitement booming almost as loud as the detonation itself. The aftermath of the blast quickly became evident as the scene shifted to chaos, Shadow’s men scrambling in confusion, shouts and orders flying amid the devastation.

"Showtime," Ghost's dry, almost bored tone cut in as he took the first shot. The crack of his sniper echoed, followed by a rapid succession of gunfire as the rest of the squad sprang into action. "Let's make it count."

I took aim and followed suit, squeezing the trigger and watching as our targets began to drop one by one.

Around us, the plan unfolded with precision: Soap’s infectious energy, König’s quiet efficiency, and Ghost’s razor-sharp focus melded into a coordinated assault. Every shot, every move was calculated, our presence known now, and it was only a matter of time before we had them cornered. It was a familiar rhythm—a deadly dance we all knew well.

Our limited manpower forced Ghost and me to act fast, downing who we could from where we were. Our fire was quiet but effective, providing crucial cover as the rest of the team remained hidden among the trees and bushes, managing the flow of enemies drawn to the barn—or more so what was still standing of it. Meanwhile, König and his small unit were making their way through the main building, searching for the primary leaders behind this shady business.

"3 in the northeast" Ghost indicated, and I swiftly adjusted my scope, scanning the area until I spotted the targets.

Just as one of them dropped to the ground, courtesy of Ghost’s dead-on shot, I lined up the other two, the angle working in my favor making me squeeze the trigger without hesitation.

"Beautiful shot" commented Ghost as both men crumpled in sync, the faintest hint of approval ringing beneath his neutral tone.

I swallowed the brief surge of pride that threatened to rise, pushing it aside—there was no room for ego, not with so much at stake. I scanned the area again, looking for the next opportunity—every second mattered, and I wasn’t about to let one slip away.

"Scheiße! They're escaping!" König's stern voice blared through the comms, sharp, and urgent.

My visor adjusted instinctively, zeroing in on the rear of the building where a figure was slipping through the back exit. A quick, reflexive shot sent my next bullet right in front of the escaping man's path, hesitation freezing him in place for the split second König needed. In a blur of movement, König pounced, flawlessly bringing the man down to the ground with a masterful tackle.

"Got the others!" Soap's report came in just as the chaos started to subside. But, as I scanned the surroundings to ensure there weren't any remaining enemies, the sharp sound of König's gasp suddenly filled our comms, sending chills down my spine.

"Was...?" König’s voice was barely a whisper, the shock in his tone so palpable I could almost feel it through the line. My stomach tightened, fear lancing through me—What's happening? Is he hurt?!

"Is something wrong?" Ghost inquired, his voice eerily calm.

The silence that followed was heavy, unbearable. König didn’t move—didn’t speak. He just stood there, keeping the man pinned beneath him. And then, without warning, a burst of raw emotion exploded over the comms as König grabbed the man by the collar, yanking him closer.

"You?!?" König’s voice thundered, fury and disbelief flooding every word.

"Let me go, you bastard!" the enemy struggled, his voice familiar. Too familiar.

My pulse raced as realization crashed over me, my breath catching in my throat.

That voice—no, it can’t be… It's…

 

It's Kevin's.

Chapter 44

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

The sight before me was all too familiar—men with their hands bound, the air thick with tension as one was singled out for interrogation. Yet, this time, I wasn’t the one facing questions: I was lurking in the shadows, watching, experiencing this strange dissonance that mirrored some relatable memories I still couldn't untangle myself of.

Kevin sat in the center, defiant even in his bruised state, even when Soap’s hands gripped his shoulders like iron clamps.

"Speak." he commanded firmly, his voice a low growl, "Where. Is. Shadow?"

"Like I'm going to tell you," Kevin sneered, flashing a reckless grin where blood mingled in between his teeth. He was still trying to look unfazed, still provoking, baiting—much like the Kevin I remembered: a stupidly defiant douchebag now twisted into something unrecognizable.

König’s heavy steps approached, emerging from the darkness with a worn bag slung over his shoulder. Kevin flinched when König placed a large, deliberate hand on his shoulder, his voice a low, icy rumble.

"You may want to talk," König warned, pressing his weight down with cold finality, "Or believe me when I say I won't be as merciful as I was that night in the ladies' locker room."

Kevin’s defiance flickered, but he held it together, gritting his teeth as he refused to look König in the eye.

"Fuck. You." he spat, his voice a feeble, trembling hiss. He thrashed futilely, but König was like an immovable mountain, his hold as unyielding as granite, boiling Kevin's frustration into something uglier.

"Go to hell! I already lost my job because of you—and that lousy bitch!"

The words barely had a chance to settle—König’s fist came down in a blur, smashing into Kevin’s jaw with such force that he toppled backward, bringing the seat he was bound to in his fall. He crashed hard onto the ground, blood splattering from his mouth while his feet hung limp on the chair's legs.

"Du verficktes Arschloch!" König thundered, his voice thick with fury. "Ich werde dir dieses verdammte Grinsen schon austreiben, du verdammter Verräter!"

Soap’s hand shot out, gripping König’s wrist before he could raise his fist again. The two soldiers locked eyes for a moment, Soap visibly puzzled by the anger burning beneath our giant's usually stoic demeanor.

"Easy, big man," he said, his voice steady and calm, "Don't let him get to you."

König's shoulders rose and fell, his rage palpable—but something in Soap's tone seemed to ground him. With a final clench of his fist, König slowly lowered his hand, his gaze remaining locked on Kevin's body with an intensity that could have scorched steel.

Sprawled on the floor, he began to stir, groaning in pain, his face bloodied and dazed. Yet, and to everyone surprise, a low chuckle escaped him; weak at first, it quickly grew into a laugh—a jagged, eerie sound that bounced off the walls.

"You’re so obvious!" he wheezed between laughter, "It was always so obvious with her, even a blind man would have seen it!" he laughed harder, his breath going erratic.

König’s fists tightened, his whole frame taut with barely restrained anger—but this time he held back. It was as if Kevin’s words dug deeper than the mocking tone, a challenge he refused to give in to.

"You know—it's kind of endearing," Kevin continued, his voice thick with derision, "The way you would look at her."

"Shut. Your. Mouth." König grunted out through clenched teeth, his muscles tensing as he fought the urge to lash out.

"Oh, did I hit a nerve?" Kevin sneered before spitting out another mouthful of blood.

"Ignore him," Ghost ordered, "He's just trying to get a rise out of you."

"Guess she finally realized what a joke you are, huh?" Kevin’s voice wavered. "Look at you, defending her like a lovesick guard dog—but we both know she’s never needed you."

The jab landed like a slap, hitting me with an instinctive pull to respond, to shut him up.

"Who are you to know what I need?" I shot back as I emerged from the shadows, Ghost not even trying to keep me in my place.

"K-Kitten?" Kevin choked out, forcing a laugh, but the nickname sounded weak, desperate now, barely scraping together any of his old swagger.

I stopped just out of his reach when Soap and König harshly shoved the chair upright. Kevin slumped forward, dazed and disoriented, looking pitiful: blood was trickling from the corner of his mouth, disheveled hair was plastered to his forehead, and his cheeks were streaked with grime and sweat. I took a slow, deliberate step closer, my arms crossed, my jaw set.

"So that's where you've ended up? Right by the enemy side?" I accused, my voice like ice. "You didn't waste any time."

Kevin’s mouth twisted into an ugly scow, his sneer faltering under my gaze. He shifted, attempting to sit taller, but the chains rattled, reminding him just how powerless he was. He opened his mouth to fire back, but this time I didn’t give him the chance.

"You really think you can laugh at us from that chair? Is that why you ran to Shadow? Because, deep down, you knew you didn’t have it in you to stand on your own?" I gibed, my voice cold and apathetic. "Look at you now—bloody, broken, and delusional. Thinking your words have any worth."

König’s presence behind me was a wall of silent strength, a fortress of restrained anger. He hadn’t said a word, but I could feel his presence, could sense the weight of his fury, like a storm held back by a thin wall. Kevin felt it too, and he knew the only thing holding him back would be one word from me.

His smirk faltered for a split second, but he quickly recovered, leaning as far forward as the restraints would allow, his confidence infuriatingly unshaken.

"Oh, Kitten, don't be mistaken," he crooned, "I haven't joined anyone's side, I simply saw a... better opportunity for myself."

He paused, as if savoring his words, clearly mistaking our restraint for hesitation.

"You’re smarter than this. Why waste your talents with them?" he spat the last word as though it tasted foul. "Imagine the possibilities, the power you would hold… I offer more than he ever could," he insisted, his smirk seemingly growing wider each time he mentioned the living menace sitting still by my side.

I almost laughed at the stupidity of his proposal, but I kept my face blank. The sheer audacity of Kevin, sitting bloodied and bound on a rusty chair, trying to pitch betrayal like he was offering me a promotion—it would’ve been hilarious if it wasn’t so pathetic.

"And what about you giving us the location of your boss?" I asked back curtly, my tone biting.

"Ah… Still the practical one, aren't you?" Kevin huffed, his smile fading, feigning a pout. "And here I thought we were bonding."

"You talk too much," König rumbled, his voice low and deadly calm, the unspoken threat in those four words enough to make Kevin tense in his seat.

"Enough games," I chimed in, "Tell us where Shadow is, or I promise you, Kevin, you won’t like where this ends."

"Oh, the feisty little Kitten still has some claws," he taunted as he shifted in his seat again, his eyes glimmering with malicious satisfaction. "You've always been so… independent."

"Come on, Kevin," I chided, "I'm offering you a chance to repair what you've done, to get back on the right side," I laid out, not believing my own words as they poured past my lips like the truth they weren't.

"You think I don’t know what you’re doing?" he snapped, his voice taking on a darker tone. His smile had melted into a thin, cruel line, his bloodied face now a mask of icy defiance. "You think you know me, but you have no idea what I'm capable of. I've done things that would make your skin crawl, things that should have got your lapdog six feet underground—if only he wasn't as slick as an eel."

"What do you mean?" I pressed, taking advantage of this opening to extract every shred of information he would be foolish enough to let slip.

"Oh, come on, Kitten. Don’t play dumb," he smirked, "But you'll thank the IT guy for me, right? Too bad for you he forgot to revoke my KorTac credentials—otherwise, I’d never have gotten my hands on all your pathetic little plans."

The weight of his confession dropped like a stone in my stomach, my mind racing to connect the pieces—each one more damning than the last.

"You…" I muttered, my voice strangled by the realization—

"You really thought you could outsmart Shadow, didn't you?!" Kevin laughed, jagged and triumphant. "You should have thought twice before throwing me away like you did!"

My fists clenched at my sides, my nails digging into my palms as he kept yapping, his words coiling around me like a vice. His gloating felt almost distant, drowned out by the rush of blood pounding in my ears as vivid memories resurfaced—the cold concrete beneath me, the burn of restraints digging into my wrists, the phantom of their cruel laughter, the searing pain that made time stretch into eternity—

"But you..." Kevin drawled, the unpleasant sound of his voice breaking me out of my stupor, "You're too good for that, aren't you? Always so virtuous… so perfect."

His bitterness, sharp and acrid, only poured fuel on the fire that had been steadily building inside my chest. And, as I met his gaze, everything finally fell silent.

This isn't the past.

This isn't Karl.

It's Kevin. Just Kevin. Bruised, pathetic, self-satisfied Kevin, still thinking he holds any semblance of control.

As if now hollow, I let my hands move on their own, reaching for the straps of my plate carrier. One by one, they came undone with a crisp snap, the deliberate rhythm cutting through the room like gunfire.

I heard König straightening to his full height, his imposing frame casting a shadow that seemed to stretch across the whole room. Soap’s blue eyes snapped to me, his expression caught somewhere between confusion and caution. Even Ghost shifted, his usual stillness broken as he tilted his head, watching with quiet curiosity.

But Kevin? His grin widened, voracious and gleaming through the blood staining his teeth, while his eyes sparkled with that sick, entitled hunger that I already had the misfortune to witness.

"Now this is interesting," he leered, his gaze roaming over my body, "Finally coming around, are we, Kitten? Or is this some desperate ploy for attention?"

My vest hit the ground with a solid thud, but the weight I'd shed wasn’t just fabric and plating. As I rolled my shoulders back, standing taller, the hollowness I’d felt moments ago hardened into something unyielding, determination settling over me like armor.

My hand then carefully drifted down to the combat knife strapped at my thigh, its sharp edge gleaming under the dim light. Kevin’s smirk faltered—just for a fraction of a second, but it was enough.

"What’s the matter?" I queried, my tone calm, almost curious. "You seemed so confident until now."

Kevin’s grin tightened, "Oh, I’m still confident," he shot back, though his voice still came out uneven. "You’re all bark, Kitten. Always were. You won't do anything."

"Is that what you think?" I questioned, my head tilting slightly as my lips curled into a humorless smile. "That I won’t follow through?"

Kevin’s laughter sputtered and died, replaced by a strained silence as I leaned toward him, bringing us to eye level. My gaze never left his as I traced the flat edge of the blade along the armrest of the chair with agonizing slowness, its precision a promise I didn’t need to speak aloud.

"Here’s the thing, Kevin. You’ve spent your life believing you’re untouchable—that you can lie, squirm, and manipulate your way out of anything. But this?" I gestured toward his bindings with the tip of my knife, "This isn’t your game anymore. It's mine."

Kevin’s throat worked against the silence, his Adam’s apple bobbing.

"You’re bluffing," he exhaled, his gaze insistent.

I leaned again, close enough to feel the heat of his breath, and whispered: "After what your new people, your 'better opportunity' did to me…? I fear I’m not capable of bluffing anymore."

Facing Kevin's furrowed brows, I took a deliberate step back and grabbed the hem of my top, pulling it up just enough to expose my stomach. As my skin lay bare, my scars immediately caught his attention, his eyes widening as they fell into every mark, every imperfection, every blemish—still pink because they haven't finished healing.

"W-What...?" he stammered, his voice no longer sharp, almost broken by disbelief.

"Instead of König, they found me," I began, my voice cold and steady. "Me, and four other marines."

"Kitten, I—"

"Shut up and listen for once!" I snapped, the authority in my voice causing his mouth to surprisingly close back without further protests.

"I'm the only one who survived," I continued, "I was tortured for hours. Beaten, cut, burned—they even had their fun throwing me into a river, pulling me up, then dragging me down again, over and over, until I stopped trying to breathe. And you know what?" I paused, wanting Kevin to feel the weight of every syllable, to let it sink into his skin, into his bones.

"It made me happy," I dropped, my eyes locking onto his, daring him to look away.

Kevin had gone ashen-faced, remaining deathly silent for once. His gaze faltered, dropping again to my stomach, where the scars stood as brutal evidence of all I went through, because of him.

"It made me happy," I repeated, "Because, for a fleeting instant, it felt merciful. Merciful enough to silence my wishes to die for a moment. But then, Karl—you know him, right? Well, he had enough of my silence."

Kevin’s jaw slackened, his eyes widening in realization.

"No way—it was you?! The one who wouldn't talk?"

I could only scoff, "I see he had no problem recounting what happened like it was just another normal day to him, hm? Which I believe it is. But did he mention what he really wanted to do to me?"

Kevin faintly shook his head left and right, fearing the answer as if it was going to happen to him.

"He tried to rape me," I finally managed to say after all those weeks, all those sleepless nights filled with nightmares. It was like a weight lifted from my shoulder—only to be dropped squarely on everyone else.

König’s reaction was instant. His head snapped up, his gaze locking onto mine with a ferocity that burned. The anger in his eyes was a living thing, dark and consuming, transforming the soft blue into an abyss of fury.

When he took a step forward, toward me, I instinctively yanked my shirt back down. I shot a quick, pointed glance at Soap. That was all it took. Without hesitation, the Scot stepped in front of König, blocking his path. König halted abruptly, his towering form looming over Soap like a storm cloud. His chest heaved with uneven breaths as he looked at Soap—but then his eyes shifted, moving past to lock onto mine.

The intensity of his gaze rooted me to the spot, a chill rippling down my spine. That brief, silent exchange felt like it carried the weight of a thousand unspoken words. In his eyes, I saw everything—his anguish, his guilt, his instinctive desire to tear Kevin apart, but also his sorrow for not knowing sooner. When König moved again, it wasn’t to push past Soap and lash out at Kevin. No. He instead turned sharply on his heels and retreated, no one speaking as his heavy footsteps echoed down the hall.

"So," I resumed, my voice low and measured, though the ache in my chest felt unbearable as my gaze settled back on the traitor in front of me. "If you still wish to be loyal to them, then fine. Good riddance. But, if that’s the case…" I drawled as I stepped closer, the glint of my blade catching his eye, "...I’ll personally slit your throat before I walk out of this room. For your betrayal. For the marines you got killed that night. And for every goddamned moment you were so adamant to be a pain in the ass."

Kevin’s lips parted, a stuttering sound escaping him, but no coherent words followed. His mouth opened and closed again, his excuses choking before they could form.

"I…" he finally managed, his voice trembling. "I didn’t mean… I never wanted…"

The words faltered, dying on his tongue as his eyes darted around the room. He looked everywhere but to find no sympathy—only cold, unforgiving stares. He had nowhere left to hide, no bravado left to summon, nothing but the hollow echo of his own choices.

"We all know you’ve got nothing left to gain here—except maybe for one thing." I said, my voice cutting through the heavy silence.

Kevin's head hung low, his entire form reduced to something small, weak. He stirred slightly, his bloodshot eyes flickering up to meet mine.

"…What?" he croaked, his voice febrile, almost reluctant to ask.

"To make things right," I simply stated. "It's your choice to make. You can either die as a traitor, an egotistical asshole who thought he was better than everyone—or you can take this chance to do something good for once in your goddamn life."

He stared at me, long and hard, his gaze dragging over my face like he was trying to peel back layers, searching for a trick, a lie, something to give him an excuse not to listen.

"And how do I know you won’t just kill me anyway?" he finally asked, his voice quieter now, tinged with something I could only describe as defeat.

"If you help us, I won’t," I replied without hesitation, not feeling the need to specify that he’d likely spend the next decade or so rotting in a concrete cell.

Kevin’s lip twitched, his gaze darting to the side as if weighing his nonexistent options.

"I know. I was speaking about him," he retorted, jerking his chin toward the far corner of the room.

I blinked, following his gesture. My breath hitched when my eyes landed on König, who I hadn’t even realized had returned—silent, still, a shadow blending into the darkness like he was carved from it. He stood there with his back against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, his massive frame something I could only describe as ominous.

"Say you won't help us so I can do it now," the giant threatened, his voice thick with the promise of violence.

"I..." Kevin mumbled, fear flickering in his gaze as he finally understood that the state of his life hung on this one decision.

"Say it," König repeated, sharper this time—only waiting for an excuse to act.

"You know what?" I sighed heavily, resigned. "It doesn't even surprise me anymore. All the men I’ve known have let me down, one way or another," I said softly, the words rolling off my tongue into a confession I didn’t want to make but couldn’t stop. "I got traumatized, hazed—" I paused, my throat catching as old memories from way back in the police flashed.

But I wouldn’t let it stop me. Not here. Not now.

"Insulted. Assaulted. Betrayed," I resumed, my voice steady again as my eyes fixed on Kevin.

"I’ve been fooled, lied to—" I added as I gave a quick look toward König, just for a second. I didn’t mean it as a reproach. Not really. But the pang in my chest betrayed me anyway.

"So I just… Don't expect anything from them anymore," I finished, my voice cold, final. My gaze fell back on Kevin, and for a fleeting second, I almost pitied him. Almost. But whatever sympathy might’ve surfaced evaporated the moment I turned my back on him, leaving Kevin to face the void, to face König, to face the inevitable.

The sound of my footsteps echoed off the cold walls of the room, its atmosphere heavy, oppressive—as if the "guilty" sentence had been publicly delivered. But this isn't justice we’d found here. Shadow is still out there, somewhere, scheming his next move. This isn't a victory—just another loss.

"I'll do it."

We all turned, each of us snapping our attention back on Kevin. His frame looked smaller somehow, hunched in the chair—yet, there was something in the set of his shoulders that hadn’t been there before.

"I'll help you catch Shadow," he said again as his eyes found mine, filled with something close to resolve.

 

"But only if it's through you, and only you. I won't trust anyone else."

Notes:

Not a hiatus announcement but some news:

Hello everyone, I hope y'all had a great Christmas ❤️🎄

I guess you've all noticed that I'm having more and more trouble posting chapters regularly, and I'm sincerely sorry about that. I wish I could dedicate more time to this story, but right now it's not easy to find even half an hour a day to work on it. I can't say when I'll be able to post the next chapter, I already have a very clear idea of what to write next but I haven't even been able to start a draft 😭

I can't thank you enough for all the support you've given me, and I hope to be able to post the rest of the story up soon. Take care, and I wish y'all great holidays 🥹🫶

Chapter Text

While the others busied themselves packing up in the safehouse, preparing to return to base, I was scouring the area for König. A man of his size shouldn’t have been so difficult to track down, yet he managed to vanish the moment Kevin agreed to help us. I couldn't even catch which direction he’d gone.

Faint noises from a small cabin near the main building eventually drew my attention. Approaching cautiously, I peered inside and finally spotted him crouched over a wooden crate, methodically packing some heavy equipment. For a moment, I hesitated at the threshold, wiping my damp palms on my pants as unease began to twist my guts.

König didn't look at me when I stepped inside, his focus fixed on his task as if he hadn't noticed my presence—but I could tell he knew I was there by the apparition of a subtle tension in his shoulders. As I debated whether to offer help and sidestep the messy conversation I dreaded—and by messy, I mean anything involving Kevin—he uncharacteristically broke the silence first, his back a deliberate shield between us.

"Was that your plan?" he asked, his voice low and edged with dry bitterness. "To make me feel guilty? That's why you came here—just to get your revenge?"

His words caught me completely off guard, leaving me speechless as I processed them. Beneath the sharp edge of his voice, I heard something else—something raw, something wounded, and the way he refused to meet my gaze only made the situation even more uncomfortable.

"No, I..." I faltered, unsure where to begin. "I saw a chance to help catch Shadow, so I took it. I want him to pay for what he did—maybe not as much as you, but enough that I want to fight back."

König paused, his hands tightening around the crate as if bracing himself while still refusing to look in my direction.

"And did you even stop to think about what could've happened to you?" he countered, his voice thick with unconcealed frustration, "The risks? The things that could've gone wrong?"

"You mean like last time, when I was caught and tortured?" I shot back, my thoughts leaving my mouth faster than I could catch them. "I think I'm more aware than anyone here of what could have gone wrong."

My words made him finally spin around, his eyes locking onto mine the second after. They blazed with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine; but beneath that, a deep, aching emotion that he tried to hide couldn't help but float at their surface.

"And what if I hadn't been able to save you, just like last time?" he demanded, his voice taut with the effort of keeping his emotions in check.

"And you? Why weren't you honest with me?" I snapped as a knot formed in my throat, "I could have died without ever seeing your face!"

König's eyes narrowed as I threw his own faults back at him, his anger and guilt mingling into a somber expression.

"I couldn't," he bit back, his voice rough as he took a step forward, closing the space between us. "I thought I could handle it alone, that I could protect you without dragging you into it. No matter how much I wanted to tell you, that's just the way I am, Scha—" he suddenly stopped, censoring himself.

A long silence stretched as we both knew what he was about to call me, but also why he didn't.

"But it's part of who you are," I mumbled, struggling to steady the emotions threatening to spill over. "How can we build anything on lies and secrets? How can we move forward if I don't know the real you? You should have told me… You should have trusted me."

"I know," he exhaled in a slow, uneven breath, his gaze dropping as his shoulders tensed again. "I know I should have, but I was afraid." He swallowed hard before continuing. "Afraid you'd look at me the way you're looking at me now."

I stared at him, but all the emotions I had clung to—anger, grief, betrayal, even love—it's like none of them mattered anymore. Not when the truth was finally unraveling between us.

"Do you have any idea how it felt?"
My voice wavered, my eyes itched, but I didn’t stop. "To be left in the dark? To feel like I was nothing more than a pawn in your game?"

His gaze darkened as he took a step forward, his hand reaching out instinctually, as if drawn to me, desperate for contact—but he pulled it back at the last second, his fingers curling into a fist before falling to his side, leaving me yearning for his touch.

"It was never like that," he assured while his eyes softly traced the line of my face. Then, as if retreating from his own confession, he turned away, returning to the corner where I initially found him. "You were everything to me, everything I've ever wanted. You still are…" he avowed.

A sigh escaped his lips as he leaned heavily against a worn workbench, his head dropping forward, his broad shoulders caving under a weight I couldn’t see.

"I don't regret us," he continued, his voice quieter. "But I've sworn I’d never become like my father, and yet I'm still turning into a possessive prick. The way I want to hold on too tightly, to keep you even when I have no right. It’s killing me just being in the same room as you and not touching you. Not telling you how much I love you."

His fingers dug into the wood, his knuckles white. Then, after a long, fractured silence, he spoke again.

"I didn't want to have to say it, but please… reject me. I need to hear it."

His words shattered something inside me. He was asking—begging—to be let go, making me realize that I…

I don't want him to.

"You're going to give up? Like that?" I complained as I stepped closer.

He didn't answer, but he stiffened tenfold when I hugged him from behind. It was like his body turned to stone at my touch, and, for a moment, I thought he might pull away. But then I heard it—the sharp breath he took, the battle between instinct and restraint. He wanted to lean into me—but he was fighting not to.

"I… I wasn't completely honest with you either…"

"... About what?" he asked hesitantly.

I tightened my hold just slightly, resting my forehead against his back. "It was for you," I finally admitted, my voice barely above a whisper, "You're the reason why I came here."

"For me?" he repeated, disbelief filling his voice as I nodded against him.

"I don’t want to give you false hope," I murmured, inhaling the familiar scent of him, steadying myself in it. "But… I want to try. I want to trust you again."

The shift in König's demeanor was slow, almost imperceptible as my words sunk in, his shoulders relaxing only by the tiniest bit. He turned to face me, his eyes seeking mine, desperate for any flicker of doubt—any sign that this wasn’t real. A shaky breath escaped him as his head dipped forward, eyes slipping shut. He stood there for a long moment, silent, as if gathering the strength to fight against something he no longer had the will to resist.

"You don't know what you're saying," he whispered begrudgingly, as if forced to refuse. "You deserve better, I'll only hurt you again—"

"Stop," I cut him off gently, my voice firm but not unkind, "You did what you thought was best, I know you never meant any harm," I reassured as one of my hands slipped beneath his mask, fingertips brushing against the fabric of his balaclava before settling against his cheek.

A shiver ran through him at the contact, and despite everything he’d just said, he couldn't help but lean into my hand. My thumb traced slow, soothing circles over his cheek and, little by little, his expression softened.

"But I..." he whispered hoarsely, his voice barely holding together, "I did hurt you."

"So did I," I pointed out, "Even if it was difficult, I should have given you the chance to explain instead of avoiding you like I did."

His eyes flickered up to mine, raw and uncertain, but he didn’t hold my gaze for long—as if the weight of my forgiveness was too much to bear.

"That doesn't change what I did…" he muttered, his jaw clenching slightly as he fought against the vulnerability that was seeping into his body.

"König," I called softly, "I'm sure we can move past this, if we're honest with each other from now on."

"You make it sound so easy..." he breathed out, his voice quiet. "You're willing to give me a shot... even after everything that happened?"

I nodded slightly as I let my hand fall back to my side. His gaze jumped to mine, intense and smoldering, holding it as he seemed to fight an invisible battle within himself. Then, after what felt like forever, he pulled me into his arms, his grip firm yet hesitant, as if afraid I might disappear.

"I'll never lie to you again," he promised quietly in the shell of my ear, his voice soft, his breath warm against my skin.

Resting my head against his broad chest, I let the tang of metal and dried blood clung to his gear fill my nostrils, allowing myself to lean into his embrace.

"... Even with the classified information?" I asked.

A low chuckle rumbled through him, the sound vibrating against my cheek while his arms tightened around me almost possessively.

"Yes, even with those," he reassured, his breath fanning the crown of my head.

 

"No more secrets. We're a team."

Chapter Text

The rec room echoed with familiar lines from a movie I’d seen more times than I'd bother to count, while the others had gone out. Another round at the bar, another night of drinking to our recent success. I could have joined them, maybe I should have—but it seems that I preferred to slouch on the couch, my attention barely on the screen. Not that I don't enjoy their company, but something about the last conversation I had with Ghost stuck with me in a way… I still couldn't wrap my head around it.

The whole 141 team had flown out this morning, off to deal with whatever new threat had popped up—some Russian revolutionist, or so I heard. But what caught me off guard wasn’t their departure, but rather the Lieutenant who came to find me before they did.

"We're leaving for a while," he'd said, his expression as serious as ever. "Can’t say when we’ll be back—or if we’ll come back at all."

He paused, locking eyes with me with that intense, unsettling stare of his. Then, with a dry tone that couldn’t mask some irritation underneath, he added: "Watch your back, you and your damn stubbornness."

I was too caught off guard to react at first: it wasn't often that Ghost lingered in a conversation, let alone waited for a response—and yet, here we were.

"I don’t know why you came all this way just to say that to me…" I admitted, shifting slightly under his gaze, "But thanks. You too."

"I mean it," he nodded, "You’re a tough lass, keep it that way."

There was something genuine in the way he said it, just enough to soften the hard line of his gaze.

"And, as a last piece of advice," he spoke again, quick to change the subject, "Stop being so hard on yourself."

"What do you mean?" I dared to ask, confused.

"The Marines," he didn't hesitate, his voice steady, "Their deaths weren’t your fault."

And just like that, the memories surged forward, sharp and unrelenting. The echoes of that day resonated in my skull, still fresh, still raw.

"I led the team," I stated hoarsely, my voice thick with guilt. Anger was there too, simmering beneath the surface, getting harder and harder to hide.

"You made the choices you thought were right," Ghost retorted, his eyes still firmly holding mine, "And choices do have consequences,"

I opened my mouth to argue, but he wasn’t done.

"But sometimes, there aren’t any good choices to pick from. You'll never know if things would’ve ended any differently by taking another path. What’s done is done."

His words didn’t erase the weight pressing down on my chest, but somehow, it steadied me—like I’d been holding my breath without realizing it, and he was finally giving me permission to exhale.

Ghost shifted, and for a second I thought he was finally going to leave. Instead, he reached into his pocket, pulling out something before handing it to me.

A dog tag…?

When I took it, a shiver ran through my spine as the engraved name stared back at me.

Hudson Sean

—one of the marines who died that night…

I swallowed involuntarily, forcing back the guilt and shame clawing their way to the surface.

"Keep it."

Ghost voice cut through the silence, but this time, there was something different in it—something almost somber.

"But—" I tried to protest, but he didn't let me.

"He was an orphan," he explained. "No family to claim it, so somehow it ended up back here."

I tried to summon Sean’s face—tried to picture his features, his expression—but all I could grasp was his voice. Steady, reassuring... Even in the worst of it, even when everything was falling apart.

"Keep it," Ghost repeated, his tone firm but not unkind, leaving no room for argument.

Blinking away the sting at the corners of my eyes, I exhaled slowly before looking at him again.

"Will do," I affirmed, and I slipped the tag into the secure confines of my pocket.

Ever since that conversation, my thoughts kept drifting back to Sean’s dog tag, the weight of it pressing against my hip like a ghostly reminder. My fingers would twitch with the urge to reach for it, to feel the cool metal against my skin—to feel something solid, something real. It was like I was finally able to leave the cursed memories aside while keeping what only mattered materialized.

Suddenly, sounds in the hallway pulled me from my lethargy. Some footsteps, steady and… measured. The familiar cadence made my heart stutter before I could prepare myself. The door creaked open, and there he was—

König.

His tall frame lingered in the doorway for a moment, his eyes scanning the room to find me sitting alone.

"You didn't join the others?" he queried, his voice low as he stepped inside.

"No, I'm good here…" I replied, not trusting myself to say more.

He stopped just behind the couch, close enough that I could feel his presence like a static charge in the air. His eyes studied me through the holes in his mask, cold and unreadable as always.

"So you're just going to spend the night watching movies alone, then?" he asked, his voice holding a hint of something hesitant, questioning almost.

A beat of silence passed, thick, and heavy.

"Maybe you can keep me company for a bit?" I suggested, forcing my voice to stay even despite the whirlwind of emotions his mere presence provoked.

His breath hitched—so subtle I might have imagined it.

"Sure," he exhaled before pushing for the couch. He lowered himself onto the other end while leaving a respectable distance between us—though it hardly mattered since his frame still took an honorable portion of the available space.

König was his usual quiet while he stared at the screen, but I could tell his mind was elsewhere as the soft glow of the TV danced over his veil. But, little by little, his body seemed to unwind, the tension in his shoulders easing as silence stretched between us.

I had almost forgotten he was there—almost—when his voice cut through the hush.

"You cold?"

I startled slightly, finally realizing just how close he was—so close I could almost feel the heat radiating from him.

"A bit," I admitted before gripping the plaid covering my legs a little tighter.

"We're almost in spring though," he observed, his head tilting slightly, thoughtful.

"Yeah, but I'm—"

"—sensitive to cold, that's true," he finished for me, his voice holding a hint of a smile.

Him remembering something so small sent an unexpected thrill down my spine, making my body shiver involuntarily, as if to prove his point. He noticed—of course he did. A deep hum left him as he draped an arm along the back of the couch, his posture open, inviting.

"Come here," he lured, low and unhurried—an offer, not a demand… but one that sent my pulse thrumming all the same.

"You sure you don't mind?" I hesitated, remembering how stubborn he had been the last time I’d tried to steal some of his warmth, half-frozen back in a tent lost in the woods…

"Come here," he reiterated.

My heart stuttered, but my body had already made the decision before my mind could catch up. As my head found its home on his broad, warm chest, his arm settled around my back, pulling me even closer, his touch possessive and protective at the same time.

His scent—earthy, rugged, laced with gunpowder and something uniquely him—wrapped around me, clouding my thoughts. His body heat was almost stifling compared to mine, his breath hot against the crown of my head. A quiet chuckle rumbled through him, vibrating under me as he felt me squirm slightly. He was fully surrounding me, and I had nowhere to go—not that I wanted to. The movie played on, forgotten, while König’s body eased against mine, letting a long, contented sigh slip past his lips.

"I'm glad..." he whispered, his voice so soft it almost got lost in the hum of the TV, "I'm glad we're able to be like this again."

"Me too…" I mumbled back, my fingers instinctively curling into the fabric of his shirt.

The inner conflict in me, once strong and vehement, felt distant now, nothing more than a dying ember. For the first time since learning the truth about him, I allowed myself to let go. Maybe it wasn’t rational, maybe it wasn’t even right, but logic be damned—I love him, and I'm not going to fight it anymore.

König's hand traced slow, absentminded circles against my back, his touch warm, grounding. But he suddenly paused, his fingertips stilling over a familiar spot—right where a recent scar began.

"I’ll avenge you," he swore, his voice low and firm.

A small chuckle escaped me at first, assuming he was joking—until I met his gaze, where I saw nothing but determination.

"You don’t have to do that," I assured, hoping to ease whatever fire had just sparked inside him.

"I know," he replied as his touch trailed from my back to my jaw, tilting my face toward his, "But I will."

The moment felt like both an eternity and all too soon when his fingers threaded through my hair, slow and deliberate, as if reacquainting himself with the feel of me, with everything he’d been forced to miss. His fingers tangled gently in the strands, cradling the back of my head as he leaned in, lowering his face until his forehead pressed against mine. Every touch, every quiet movement, was imbued with an indescribable aura—something that had been lost and was now carefully being reclaimed.

König eventually shifted, guiding me back against his chest, and I let myself sink into him, into his warmth… The steady rise and fall of his breath anchoring me in a way I hadn’t felt in so long. The sound of the TV faded into nothing as I closed my eyes, definitely leaving behind all the barriers I was once so determined to keep raised.

 

And, as sleep crept in, König held me close, offering something I hadn’t dared to believe I’d find again—peace.