“I haven’t designated individual tasks–” eli’s head tilts to the side slightly, brows furrowing. 

“Is there something wrong, Abel?”

-And now Abel is looking to him, his phone in his hands. “I was trying to text Lev and see if he’d respond. Nothing as of yet, I apologize for the rudeness.”

“-Regarding specific tasks, I can always send out e-mails to my students and their parents about my missing brother-in-law. Perhaps one of my students may have seen something?”

The hospital was driving Zoe crazy and more than anything she was ready to go home. As much as she didn’t like it she understood why people wanted to be sure she would be going home to someone, she would need the help with only one arm and the girl was definitely the kind of person who would overexert herself and end up worse. There were worse people to spend the week with though, at least she and Nathan were good friends. 

Looking up she finished packing the last of her things and smiled at Nathan. It was only one bag but enough evidence of her stay. “Hey.” Reaching up she took one of the teas from him, doing one final sweep of the room. “The nurse said that she was going to be back so— oh there she is.” Signing the last of the papers she gestured to the door with her good arm, “Can we go?”

He could only imagine what she was going through, his fair share of hospital experiences were never his best, and she was a high profile name. Anyone could find her, anyone could try and attack -- especially after the gala, people were either vulnerable and afraid, or they found their chance to carry out inhumane acts because it happened. He smiled when she welcomed the tea, while he went ahead and reached for her bag, “I can get this.” he stated before pulling it over his shoulder. 

He turned when he saw the nurse and waved at her with his free hand. “I’m here to pick up Zoe, she’ll be staying with me.” he assured, just because Zoe emphasized how the nurse needed to know she was not going to be alone. Once the paperwork was done with, Nathan held the door open for Zoe, “So tell me, what’s teh first thing you’d like to do once you’re out of here? Grab something good to eat that isn’t hospital food or just go back to my place and sleep?” he asked.

It was hard to deny Chris anything. Those big green eyes of his could make Sammy bend to there will. He wanted to make Chris happy. To promise him the world but the world often had different plans. Life as chaotic. Even for those who didn’t run with a gang. He was general for fuck sake. He couldn’t promise not to get hurt or die or- God someone could bust down his front door tomorrow and shoot them both in their sleep. They could be driving and get in a car crash. Sammy wanted to promise Chris whatever he wanted, but he wasn’t going to lie. He hadn’t lied to Chris in the past and he wasn’t about to start now. “I’ll run.” Sammy promised. He could do that much. “Okay? I’ll call you and I’ll get out of there. If I can’t handle it or something bads going down.” He nodded and held Chris’s hands between his own. 

His thumb stroked slowly across the other man’s cheekbone. Sammy’s brown eyes softening with Chris’s words. “M’not!” Sammy cut him off quickly seeing the panic in his eyes. “M’not Chirs. Oh god, fuck no. Never.” He insisted head shaking a few times as the other spoke. “Chris, chris- Hub!” Sammy tried to snap the other out of it before leaning forwards and pushing a kiss to his lips quickly. He held the kiss for a long second before pulling back just enough to speak. “Chris, I love you too.” He mumbled. “Didn’t mean it like that, okay? I mean- I just meant that if you’ve ever had too much I’d understand.” Sammy explained before leaning back a bit. 

The idea of breaking up with Chris seemed crazy even to Sammy and that was really saying something. He’d done a lot of insane shit in his lifetime. Insane shit that wasn’t going to stop any time soon but coming home to Chris had kept him grounded these past few months. His life had been turned on its head with Amelia leaving the gang. Richie was doing amazing, really stepping up, and thank god for that. But he was part of the craziness that was Sammy’s life. Chris wasn’t. He was purely Sammy’s. He was home. He was everything that balanced Sam out. Willingly leaving that didn’t make any sense.

“Hub, you are the best thing I got goin’ for me,” Sammy spoke up. “If I left you I’d be a bigger idiot than I already am.” He teased before leaning in to steal another kiss-off those lips. This time it wasn’t just to calm Chris down. There was more to it than that. For weeks now Chris had taken care of Sammy’s ever need. He’d been there emotionally, physically, and given more than Sam had ever received from anyone. He was grateful. So fucking grateful. Hopefully, Chris could feel that. Understand that Sammy wasn’t going anywhere. Not if he had any say in it. 

Maybe it was all the reassurance he needed, but even Chris knew better than to tempt fate. They both could be casualties today or tomorrow or the next, but to know that he would try, for him, was all that mattered in that moment. He hated how weak he must have seemed in this moment, but he needed Sammy to know that he couldn’t lose him. To run if it ever came down to it, to always choose himself if it ever came down to that.

Chris remained silent, as he listened- he needed to hear those words because he’d be damned if Sammy was willing to let him go just for their sake. Chris couldn’t do that, not when the two had gotten in too deep. Sure, it would have been different if they were just messing around for fun, but it was more than that. Chris truly wanted to stay with Sammy- but he wanted the man alive and well. So yes, as much as he loved hearing that Sammy loved him, Chris still couldn’t let the feeling of dread go. “--And I love you too, Sammy. but you have to listen to me. Always pick you if it ever comes down to it.” And if it ever came down to it, he would lay down his life, his job just to protect Sammy as well. Something he’d never say aloud. 

It was finally, when a smile crept it’s way across his lips at the teasing comment. “I don’t peg you to be an idiot - reckless and careless yes, but not an idiot.” he stated before leaning up to kiss the man. To really just kiss him. He didn’t mind just being with the other, despite their backgrounds, despite where they each came from. But that was it, Chris refused to think of their backgrounds more so due to the ethics and morals of this entire relationship.

He pulled away slowly, his forehead against the other’s for a moment. “I’m sorry I ruined dinner. I would reheat the steak but that might not be as great. Raincheck on a proper, no emotional dinner sometime soon and I can order us pizza tonight?” he asked before pulling away to look at him. His own hand landed on Sammy’s cheek, his thumb caressing his cheek softly as he looked at him. He was lucky, and if anything evre happened to him, Chris knew he would never forgive himself for not being able to protect him. 

God, he just hoped it never came down to that.

The first time that Kit had seen Abel since everything and it felt like her heart was in her throat. She had done some unspeakable things and this was the first time that Abel would really have to see that she was just like every other murderer in the house. Only she was worse, she had been one of the three co-ordinating the attack, outlining the getaway plan and then hanging out at a hotel later on. A few scrapes and bruises but otherwise she was fine and at least no one had recognized her. Lucky, considering what she had done to Aurora O’Shea.

“Reading for fun. I actually really like learning things, makes me feel like my brain gets put to some use.” A smart girl, she just had to hide it under many layers of vanity. “Do the finals need to be graded tonight? I’m sure you can spare some time so drink with your favourite little sister.” She shrugged at the question, “I’m fine. Have to be.”

Did he have questions? Yes. Did he truly want to know what answers those questions brought? Not necessarily no, but he would be a fool if he didn’t believe that Kit was innocent in this. Still, this isn’t want he wanted to speak to her about, he wanted to make sure she was doing alright. He smiled at the response he received from her and as a teacher, he could not help but comment on that.

“Alright, i’m happy to hear that and if you do enjoy reading for fun, let me know your genre. I can recommend some of my favorites.” he suggested. Hell, was it wrong that they can have a book club going on? alright, he wasn’t going to right out ask her that, but god he hoped she would be up for it. “--No, the finals have until the weekend.” he responded which was his way of finally giving in. “It would be my pleasure to sit here and accompany you on a drinking spree.” he teased, however he did take a seat at the foot of her bed. 

There was something special about this house. It was different from the hotel in so many ways but Sammy didn’t exactly know how to put it into words. The smell of the place was relaxing. It eased into Sammy’s body and took the stresses of the outside world with it. The sound of Duckie eating her food in the kitchen was right. The look of the place was perfect. And for whatever reason Chris was willing to let his home be their home. That was it, wasn’t it? It wasn’t just the family hotel. It wasn’t just Chris’s house. It wasn’t just Sammy’s apartment. It was theirs now. That was what made the house so special. Their cozy corner in the middle of wild Chicago. 

It was good to see Chris getting his feet back under him after being so out of it for a while. The first few days after the party had been hell. Chris had been so drugged up. He was in and out of it while Sammy just sat by his bedside. When Chris was half-awake he wasn’t really Chris but just this drugged-out shell that needed to heal. God the first time he’d said Sammy’s name it had felt like a fucking miracle. Some real hallmark Christmas story miracle. They’d been so lucky that Chris had made it through all of this with the injuries he had. Fuck, whoever did this to Chris was gonna wish they’d never so much as stepped outside their front door that day. 

Shaking his head, Sammy wrapped one arm around Chris’s shoulders and settled in beside him. “Listen, you rock the stubble-almost-beardy look. Seriously. It’s hot.” Sammy assured him. “But I am biased. You could walk around in a paper bag without showering for days and I’d still wanna jump your bones.” He teased lightly before taking the pizza that Chris offered him. “I thought we agreed on a bath and me helping you shave.” He pointed out. “Pretty sure that’s what I promised. Which reminds me.” Sammy carefully got up, trying not to move Chris too much and walked into the bathroom. He turned on the bath tap and made sure the water was nice and warm but not too hot. 

“Yeah!” Sammy called back as he checked the temperature once more and then walked back to the bedroom. “Fuckin’ nearly pissed myself scared you wouldn’t want me to move in.” He admitted. “Not because, you know, I didn’t think you wouldn’t want me around. More like- Well this is your house. I don’t know. I am just happy you’re good with it.” He explained as he leaned against the door frame. “My day was fine. Went to the shooting range, had a few meetings, nothing crazy.” He waved one hand around as he spoke. “Think I can pull off going in late tomorrow. It is a Saturday. I know I gotta go meet with Richie at some point but other than that you got me.” Sammy promised as he looked at Chirs. Fuck it was good to see him breathing.

His words were exactly what he needed right now especially since he seemed like he was losing himself. It’s not like he worked out or anything, but he did try to keep in shape and if anything this past week made it seem like he’s been doing nothing but just laying around. Which, is why he was beginning to hate how inactive he was right now, so the words were needed. “If there ever comes a time when I end up disgusting you, please let me know so I can change.” he was serious too. The last thing he needed was for the other to feel repulsed by him in any way. 

Chris smiled when he remembered all that they had planned. “I was just trying to test your memory.” he teased in response, and although they were talking about it, Chris groaned when the other separated himself to actually get the bath ready. “I meant later!” he called out behind him before eating his pizza. “We could have enjoyed this warm pizza first.” he added after a moment but decided that they could just enjoy the pizza afterwards. Chris carefully placed the box of pizza to the side, just so it wouldn’t grease up any papers before he began getting out of bed slowly. He hated how tired he still felt, but he’d get back into it soon enough. For now, he wasn’t going to complain only because he didn’t want to worry Sammy.

As he slowly made his way into the bathroom to join him, he listened and furrowed his brows. “For the record, I don’t think moving in should have been a concern considering the thing we talked about a week ago that involved some serious committment.”he reminded the other. “--But i’m glad you did, I think I need you here more than anything.” in the end, Sammy had saved him. Chris always talked highly about wanting to be there for him yet, Sammy had saved him. He wouldn’t be here if Sammy hadn’t gotten him out of there on time. “For what it’s worth, this wasn’t home until you showed up, so i’m happy you moved in. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to help you with the move.” he added as she leaned against the door frame while the other made sure the water was fine.

Chris couldn’t help but savor this moment. He loved him and was happy to have him here. But he literally owed his life to Sammy in that moment. He wouldn’t have been here if he hadn’t gotten him out of it. “I’m lucky to have you, you know that?” it was more of a thought, but it was also the honest truth. “Thank you, I don’t know how i’ll ever be able to thank you, but seriously.. i’m here because of you.” he stated. “--so thank you.” He hated that he couldn’t even find the words to express how he truly felt. While he knew Sammy could go in late tomorrow, Chris was hoping to keep him for at least the entire morning before he did leave. 

“Now, i’d love to undress for you, but maybe you should help me out here and undress me yourself.” he teased before pushing himself off the door frame slowly. “--But just know you’ve gotta get naked too, or my clothes will stay on, even in the bath.” 

The living continue on to circulate in the city’s outstretched arteries, with the non-living flushed through the moving current of circadian routine, trampled beneath footsteps, and get lost somewhere in the folds of human concourse.  The biorhythm of the city seemingly remained unperturbed this way- a week old catastrophe becoming hidden beneath its subcutaneous concrete layers in gunshot pockmarked scabs that’ll fade from its overall consciousness. Or so it inevitably seemed that way to her- struggling to reconcile with the apathetic routine and the jarring disconnection to those that surround moving unaware- as if nothing had really happened. It’s something the grazing wound on her right shoulder beneath the sweater she wears reminds her of with every slight wince from tender flesh grating against the tight dressing: a reminder of what she’d only narrowly escaped. Her legs have left the carnage, but not in memory- with every slight lapse in paranoia and certain loud sounds - her shoulders find themselves shuddering. 

But there’s no respite in stagnating, so she keeps moving, moving through the haze of the city and the hazy perception of her surrounding reality- solidifying itself in a palpable collision course. She realizes it in a blink- the apologies registering the quickest, and she’s quicker to lend herself to the ground to help, shuffling the scattered spill of papers back into its manila folder, handing it to the woman- a sympathetic pressed lip smile in a greeting, “It’s okay, you’ve nothing to apologize for- are you alright?” 

She couldn’t keep on this way, where anything - so much as a little sound could frighten her this way, to the point where she wasn’t even aware of her surroundings. How was everyone else going on with their days as if nothing had happened? The officers weren’t doing much were they? She hadn’t been called in to even give a statement and it isn’t as if she wasn’t there. There were just so many questions going through her mind.. How was this city still asleep? 

It wasn’t even until after the woman spoke that she finally broke free of her personal thoughts and finally met her gaze. A small smile played across her lips, because she wasn’t sure. was she alright? She wasn’t even sure, but in this moment she was alive if compared to a week ago she wouldn’t have been so lucky. 

“I’m alright, I apologize again.. I suppose I’ve just got to watch out for my surroundings more.” she added, which wasn’t a lie. If she couldn’t keep in track of every corner she turned, then how was she supposed to get a story for her next report? How was she going to say anything about the public to the public if she couldn’t even watch the nearest corner she turned. “I hope you’re not hurt, thank you by the way.” she added as she began gathering her belongings. At this point she would rather just throw the contents into the box than to organize it. 

Leaving Chris at home with Duckie was hard, to say the least. When he stuck in the moment where he’d found Chris on the floor. Bleeding. Barely breathing. Almost dead. Every time he so much as blinked he could feel the weight of Chris in his arms, his blood soaking Sammy’s shirt as he made a run for the car and then the hotel. He could convince himself that Chris was going to be alright when he was around his boyfriend. Remind himself that in the end, he had gotten Chris out alive but when he was alone, thinking, Sammy’s mind wandered over the what-ifs.  It was a dangerous place to go. A dangerous path to walk down. He tried not to think about it too hard. Dwelling on what could have happened only made him angry. Thankfully Chris could get some paperwork done in bed and that made Sammy feel less guilty about getting some training done with his underlings. The training was good. It took his mind off things for a moment. 

However, as good as work was, Sammy was more than happy with his choice to move in with Chris. He’d planned on asking him the night of the party but obviously, that didn’t happen. It was sort of funny. Moving his last few things into Chris’s place. Duckie had already been living there for a month. Most of Sammy’s clothing was there already. It really hadn’t taken much to move from the hotel to Chris’s place. Thank god Chris had been okay with the surprise of coming to Sammy being moved in. He figured Chris would be but still. 

Pushing his shoulder against the door, Sammy made his way inside and kicked off his boots. “Hubby, M’home!” He called into the house, their house, as he padded into the kitchen. He dropped his work bag off and, with a pizza box in hand, made his way into their bedroom. “Jesus christ you look good. You know that? Like, god looked into my brain and made you out of all my impure thoughts.” Sammy smiled and jumped into bed next to Chris. “And you know I have a lot of those.” He added before leaning over and kissing his boyfriend in greeting. “I brought you double cheese with bacon and mushrooms.” Sammy tapped the top of the pizza box. “Hope you’re hungry.”

Chris was always the type to take care of himself, to always make sure he was the one taking care of others. If he was sick or hurt, Hayden would always check in on him. But he hadn’t heard from Hayden for a few days now - aside from a few lousy texts, but it bothered him that he needed someone in this moment. Perhaps it was because he nearly died? Maybe because it sucked to know that while he was nearly dying his life had been filled with nothing? What all had he accomplished? 

No, the thought that truly stuck to him was how much he needed Sammy. Especially after their texts that were exchanged before the gala -- about their future. He was ready for it, for all of it, especially if it meant he wouldn’t be left alone -- for whatever reason. It was something Chris wanted to talk to Sammy about-- but not yet. Especially when he still had to heal and get back to finding whoever was behind this. His thoughts were conflicted, on Sammy, on the case, on the annoying meds that would cause him drowsiness almost instantly. He truly did hate the meds, but that was a whole different story. 

But when he heard Sammy’s voice, Chris relaxed; It was obvious he’d been on edge, but just hearing his voice was all that he needed to calm his internal turmoil. When he opened the door and walked in, Chris greeted him with a smile. “Finally!” he shook his head at the compliments the other threw his way and had half the urge to hit him with the pillow, but instead he reached over just as Sammy situated himself beside him and kissed the man on the lips. “Okay, first of all if this is your way of telling me not to shave and to continue looking like a bum, i’ll take it, however, you did promise a shower, so--” he didn’t even have to finish the thought. 

“Also, i’m fucking glad you moved in, but that reminds me, you’ll need spare keys. For the front and the back doors. If you haven’t done it already, i’ll do it as soon as i’m allowed to go out for a drive.” he added as he pulled the box of pizza open. “-And you’re amazing for this because yes I am starving.” he added as he pulled out a slice for Sammy, before pulling one out for himself.

“How was your day? Are you going to be out all day tomorrow? Because I was kinda hoping we can sleep in..” he added before taking a large bite. Alright, he was hungry. He didn’t know why, but he was hungry.

Archie was glad to be back in the city he called home. There was a sense of calm when he was back in Chicago, he felt less on edge, more at ease with where he was and the people around him. Of course there was always the thread of danger and it was almost ironic to be so comfortable in the place nicknamed the Crimson City. But that was just the way it was. Still, as comfortable as he was, he was home for a reason and that was to help the O’Sheas. The family that had taken in what were essentially orphans and given them a place and a purpose once their dad has vanished. The might not have been his blood, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t do anything for them, that he wouldn’t die for them if he needed too. Right now he just intended on doing better, he planned on living for them. 

After a rather early start, one where he had beaten most of the city up, Archie was in desperate need of more coffee if he was going to make it through the rest of the day. Pulling up his phone Archie was mid-text, checking to see if anyone wanted to join him for brunch when he felt himself clatter with someone else and stuff around them all fell. “Oh fucking shit.” He breathed out as he watched the box fall. “Shit no neither was I, I’m…here let me help.” Archie urged, reaching down to begin gathering items. “If I broke anything I’ll pay for it of course.”

Could she be blamed for being so careless in that moment? The only thoughts that crossed her mind was all that had happened at the gala. Those that dropped to the floor, lifeless, loud gun shots. So it wasn’t until after her belongings had clashed to the floor that she realized she couldn’t just keep on going this way. This isn’t who she was - fearful and timid, that is. She had students to look out for and stories to write. That wouldn’t happen if she kept up this way, so when the person she ran into knelt down to help her, Avery looked up and finally displayed a smile. “No, please don’t be silly, they’re just some personal belongings for the office, nothing serious.” she assured the other as she began to sweep her things.

“I mean, it’s not like a paper hole puncher is worth much aside a few dollars, but I can get another from the shop. No worries.” she assured as she gathered her things and began placing them back into the box. “Thank you, for the help.” she added after a moment, but rather than getting up, she just sat there for a moment. “I’m not this odd, I promise. I just-- I don’t know.” she couldn’t even explain, and could only shrug. “-- Maybe I just need something strong to drink and help me get through the day.” she added before finally finding the strength to stand up. “I hope I didn’t waste your day, once again I do apologize.” she added.

- && He had not expected the hug. He didn’t really know what he was expecting from the other as a reaction to his presence. Did he even deserve a reaction? Everything was confusing to him, everything was spinning in his head because he didn’t know what to say or do. How to act around someone he felt emotions towards. He had always been a robot, someone who used sex as a coping mechanism. But now here he was, actually feeling something. Before it had bit him in the ass but now maybe it wouldn’t. Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad thing to fall for someone who stood on the other side of the law. As long as he kept his work under wraps, as long as he hid who he really was. 

When the hug was over, he just stood there with open arms and wide eyes, clearly taken aback by everything that was currently happening. What he needed was a moment to just unwind, to let it sink in. That’s what he needed. But maybe that could happen in the safety of Nathan’s home? Alon cleared his throat and entered the apartment, taking off his shoes and jacket. He had not said a single thing, he didn’t find the right words to say. He was at a loss, just overwhelmed by everything that was going on around him.

It had just been so long and honestly, Nathan wasn’t sure how to react at this point, but he couldn’t hold back. Not when he had truly missed the man before him, but he could tell he needed to calm down, because by the look of surprise on the other’s face, it had been uncalled for. “I’m sorry, I just.. didn’t think I was seeing you again any time soon.” he admitted before closing the door behind him when the other entered. 

“You’re not leaving again.. are you?” he found himself asking. Again, if the man was planning on leaving then maybe Nathan should get used to this. They had talked about keeping their lives separate, and while Nathan was willing to open up to Alon, he just wasn’t sure if the other would stick around or care about his life. “Would you care for beer or water? I can order pizza.” he suggested after a moment as he looked at the other. He had to refrain from reaching out for him, so to do so he only pushed his hands into his pockets and looked at the other. It was so good to see him;

Seeing the look shift in Chris’s eye and listening intently to every word he said, Sammy felt that guilt bloom in his chest. He wasn’t exactly the easiest person to date or even just get along with but Chris had put up with a lot these first few months of there relationship. He’d put up with too much. Sammy asked for too much. God, he knew that. He just hadn’t known how much this had all impacted Chris. Sammy wanted so much to tell him that this was never gonna happen again but he couldn’t manage it. He had no idea where his job would take him.

Swallowing, Sammy shook his head slowly. “Chris, I’d let my family tare me apart before they got to you and if you went after them, I do the same. Not that I think you’d go after them.” He clarified. “There wouldn’t be any choosing.” He mumbled. That wasn’t a choice he was willing to make. Fuck, if it came down to it he’d probably just shoot himself in the head because choosing between Chris and his family was like choosing between not eating or not drinking. In the end he’d die no matter what. “And If I fall because of you I’d be happy to do it. Okay? Downfall or whatever you’re scared of, I am not scared. M’not scared because I got you.” He promised. “Right now. M’not the controller of all things, I don’t know about tomorrow but right now, I got you. You got me.” He ranted a bit as he held Chris’s face between his hands.

Sammy tipped his head to the side a bit and listened to Chris speak. he could feel his boyfriend’s pain. Sence the raw tang in his voice. God he looked so broken. He slipped forwards and wrapped his arms around Chris’s shoulders in a tight hug as his voice broke off. “I’ll be more careful,” Sammy mumbled in Chris’s ear as he stroked the back of his head slowly. “I’ll be more careful, Chris, I promise. Okay? I promise.” He mumbled again feeling his own throat tighten suddenly. He hated seeing Chris in pain. This was just- Well, it was heartbreaking. “Worlds a big fuckin’ scary place, dangerous but I’ll do what I can to be safe-er, okay?” Sammy asked pulling back to look at Chris again. 

His brow furrowed for a moment as his chest suddenly tightened. A thought pushed through the rest and made Sammy’s heartbeat kick up. “If this is too much, Chris,” Sammy got in a wobbly voice. “If it’s hurting you more than-than you can take. I’d get it if you didn’t wanna keep seeing me. I- It’s not like- I’d get it.” Sammy managed to the words out although his own eyes grew watery with the idea of losing Chris. First his father, then his mother, then Amelia, and now Chris? He couldn’t stand it but he would if Chris needed him too. 

Such words were so easy to say, but Chris couldn’t ask him to make a big sacrifice this way. If it ever came down to it, Chris would never be able to go after Sammy, or his family for that matter. Just because of how involved he was with each and every one of them. But when it came down to it, wouldn’t family be chosen? What if they became enemies? What if he got killed next time? The thoughts that ran through his mind were the repetitive ones, the ones he couldn’t stop thinking about no matter how many times Sammy sat there to tell him that he would always be here , that he’d go down for him rather than go against him. 

“You just have to promise me one thing Sammy, you cannot die on me. No matter what. If you know that whatever it is you’re about to do is going to get you killed or arrested, then you have to drop it and run and I mean run.” Was it moralistic for an officer to advise someone that had trouble with the law often to run if it ever got bad? Or even ethical for that matter? No. But Chris didn’t give a shit. He didn’t know the details of what his family was capable of aside from what the citizens knew. 

How was he not afraid when every part of Chris felt nothing but fear. The fear of losing him, the fear of being the one to make the worst happen. How was he so calm about this? Chris wished there was more he could do than just stay safe because he wanted to make sure nothing touched him. Ever. He savored this moment, with the way the man held him, caressing his head, whispering words into his ear that should ease him. And all Chris could do was hold him tighter; 

His next set of words suddenly caused an internal panic attack, just at the thought of ending things? Fuck no. Chris pulled back almost instantly just to be able to look at him. “Don’t you dare-” he started before the other could even finish the damn thought that crossed his mind. “If I didn’t want this, I wouldn’t be sitting here, you and I would have ended long ago. So don’t you fucking dare.” he warned before pulling the man in close, just to be able to lean his forehead against the others. “I love you.” he whispered, eyes closed just enough to hold back the tears that threatened to pour out. “Don’t you dare.” he repeated before pulling away just a bit. “Just promise me that you’re going to stay safe, that if you had to choose between saving yourself and something else that might seem priceless, you will choose yourself. No matter what it takes.” illegal or not, Chris knew his words could never be taken back, but he’d rather have him here than dead.

Having the day off Jordan decided to get some errands done. She had chosen to start the day with a smoothie so as she was walking to the smoothie store she ended up bumping into another person. “My bad.” She leaned down to help the put the items in the box. “Are you okay?” She then asked. 

Igor knew this day would only turn into misfortunate. He knew it the minute he woke up. He had a splitting headache he couldn’t quite get rid of and had to, unfortunately, take, the medicine that Americans were so obsessed over. If you were sick, take a pill. If you had a stomach ache, take a pill. Feeling slightly depressed, take a pill. This country loved to numb their pain by using such unnecessary drugs. His country relied on the good ol’ fashioned shot of vodka and it did cure all problems. After Igor had woken up with his headache he had gotten ready for the day and was regretting it.

This was going to happen sooner or later. He just didn’t want it to happen so early in the day.

“No, do not speak such things.” Igor said, grabbing a few napkins and dabbing it. This wasn’t going to work. Igor was slightly materialistic and as painful as it was to admit it he didn’t want to be seen in an attire that didn’t consist of a name brand. “Actually..” He had no choice. “This will stain. I will take the shirt. Thank you, Igor.”

Russia you don’t shake hands. Americans shake hands. He awkwardly stuck out his hand so the gentleman could shake it. 

Nathan didn’t think the other would actually agree to it. He was slightly dumbfounded for a moment, as he looked down at his hand and then back at the man. “Well, this is definitely a story we’ll remember, right?”he asked with a hitn of tease behind his tone as he took the man’s hand in his own to shake. “I’m Nathan, and would you like to step into the restroom, just so it wouldn’t be odd if we were to exchange shirts?” he aske.d

Again, he wasn’t sure if the other had understood that he would exchange shirts with him, but since it was stated, the least they could do was step into the restroom right? He let his hand drop to the side and looked around the cafe for a moment. It wasn’t filled with many customers so that was fine. 

The mess that ensued last week was the talk of the town. Quite literally too. Nathan wasn’t sure how he had managed to make it out alive, but he did have to get a new phone in the process. For now, he was on Zoe duty and that was important to him because of who she was. A part of him wanted to confide in his superintendent but Nathan didn’t have time to worry her about his plan B -- which was to work with the Washington’s while remaining undercover. Simple enough, right? Well he hoped so anyway. 

When he arrived at Zoe’s room, he sent a last text prior to let her know he was coming, so it wouldn’t be a surprise when he did show up. “Knock knock.” he spoke up seeing that his hands were currently occupied with mint tea. “I’d have gotten you coffee, but we both know that is not a good idea. Now, do we have to get the nurse?” he asked as he handed her one of the teas.