#cod alejandro x reader

Saturday 17th August. 1400 hrs. A perfectly unassuming day, really - for most at least. On the other hand, you had been stuck at base for far too long, as Laswell walks you through tonight's plan again. Seriously, by now you've had each and every minute of the night hammered through your brain,

"…and make sure you do not blow our cover, got it? Are you even listening?"

"Yes! Don't blow my cover.."

"Not just yours."

"Huh?? Hey wait what does that mean?"

Laswell pinches the bridge of her nose tightly, feeling the regrets pile up quickly. She could have easily shifted this off to anyone. Literally anyone.

"Okay, let's go through this again - and listen this time! You're not going in alone, and I need you to be nice."

"I'm always nice!"

"…"

"I'm mostly nice..?"

"…"

"Wow. Wow!"

"Okay, so you're going undercover with Colonel Alejandro Vargas-"

"Oh."

"Mhm."

This was no coincidence. It couldn't have been - especially given how the team vividly remembered the way the two of you practically danced around each other back in Las Almas. Suddenly, you feel the need to call sick, or to divert and throw the entire operation on to someone else-

"-why not Rudy? Him and Alejandro have great chemistry together, right?"

"…Do you.. do you hear yourself?"

"Yes. Put that man in a dress!"

"…?"

"He's got the hiiiiips~"

"No! You're doing the op - that's final."

There was no arguing with the Kate Laswell - even you knew that. Still, you couldn't hold back the disappointed sigh falling from your lips as you dejectedly slumped forwards, your mouth opening and closing, opening and closing in shock. Really? Alejandro?

Not that working with him was a problem, no! Not at all! Just.. well…

It was much easier to ignore your little crush on the man when you weren't working alongside him, you know? So much easier to subtly stare at him from the other side of the room, or to brush your hands past one another and dream of late night accidental touches, than to actually be stood next to him. And of course you'd be there as a newlywed couple! Because why not add to your own suffering whilst we're at it?

But you are a professional first and foremost, and you would not let something like this impact the task at hand. Not even if you were stuck quietly dreaming of how good he'd look in a suit.

Oh dear.

1500 hrs. On the other side of base, Colonel Alejandro Vargas sat at his desk, lost in thought.

Would you wear that pretty red dress? Flowy as it'd billow in the wind, hugging around you just perfectly? The one he'd only seen in photos in old reports that Lazwell had handed off to him? Would you wear those long black heels - the one's you wore to that wedding you both were at, two months ago? In fact, Alejandro had been so lost in thought that he hadn't realised three repetitive knocks on his door. Nor had he realised Rodolfo sneaking into his office and leaning against the door, barely suppressing a smile,

"You're whipped, Ale!"

"Huh? No, no. I don't know what you're talking about!"

"Mhm, sure you don't. What if I told you Lazwell changed the mission last minute? I'm going instead of you no-"

"What? No! I mean.. I don't care.."

"Alejandro, I'm joking-"

"Don't joke like that, Rudy!"

"You're whipped! Anyway, you have everything ready for tonight? Suit, guns… condom?"

It doesn't help that at the end of his sentence, Rodolfo begins wiggling his eyebrows and swinging his hips as Alejandro sighs, groaning and facepalming over the desk in front of him,

"Rudy…"

"Okay! Okay.. I'll see you on the other side, yeah?"

"Yeah."

As Rodolfo left, his words continued to swim around Alejandro's brain, intertwined with images of you smiling, giggling, under him as his hands would wrap around your waist and you would look up at him with those beautiful eyes an-

Oh dear. Perhaps he was whipped.

1700 hrs. You had finally finished getting ready for the mission - secret weapons hidden in holsters, covered by a beautiful red dress, that hugged your top half before billowing out into silken sheets of crimson. Naturally, you pair that with your favourite heels, some nice jewellery and make your way towards the front of base, where he stands - tall, suited and booted up. You can't deny it now - he looks good. Especially when a strand of his hair falls out against the side of his face, and he adjusts his tie as you find yourself somewhat starstruck. Your eyes don't miss how the suit makes his already broad shoulders look even more perfect, as you daydream pressing your lips against them under the soft morning sun.

Not that he's much better - his eyes falling across your body as his mouth suddenly goes dry. His gaze starts at your face, forcing back a smile as it lifts to your hair. He wonders - would it feel as soft as it looked under his touch? His eyes trail further, thoughts only spiralling around as they rest across your neck, your shoulders, your cleavage - interrupted only by Lazwell clearing her throat, stood opposite the two of you,

"Okay, so the two of you are posing as newlyweds, got it? Mr and Mrs Pierce - he's an obscure rich man, and she's his trophy wife. Rudy and I will be monitoring you - keep your comms on-"

"-unless you both get freaky! Then turn them off."

The two of you shoot a glare in his direction, to which he only beams back. Lazwell sighs, but nods,

"If you are going to get… frea-"

"Lazswell!"

"Kate!"

"Okay, fine! Just.. don't compromise the mission. You're there to gather intel, okay? In and out job."

Neither you nor him can dispel the thoughts that come around from her last sentence, as you walk towards the car. Ever the gentleman, Alejandro opens your door, helping you with your dress before walking around to the other side to get in. By some hellish miracle, another voice joins the conversation,

"And remember - wrap it before you tap it!"

The two of you groan as Soap grins back at you, thumbs up and very much proud of his little quip,

"…Soap will be assisting us ."

"We see that."

As Alejandro drives the two of you away, you can't ignore the unsettling feeling tightening around your stomach. This was going to be a hellish mission, one way or another.

1900 hrs. Two hours sat next to the very man you spend every night dreaming of. In a tight space. Without radio, or music, or any conversation. Every time either of you attempt to start any kind of talk, you give up. What are you supposed to talk about? Not the mission itself, that's boring. And you're definitely not going to be talking about how his hands wrap perfectly around the steering wheel. Oh, how you wished you were that steering wheel.

However, two hours is a long drive. With no conversation whatsoever. Alejandro finds himself clearing his throat to get your attention - finally beginning some conversation,

"So…"

"So..?"

"Yep…"

'Great going!' Alejandro though to himself, mentally smacking himself with a 10 foot metal pole until his brain forgot his awful attempt at conversation. Except his brain wouldn't do that. Because why would it? All whilst you were going insane in your own right too. What were you supposed to do? Attempt conversation back?

"The weather… is… erm.. weather-y…"

"Yes, it often does that, no?"

"That's.. true.."

Now it was your turn to mentally hit yourself. The weather is weather-y? What the hell does that even mean? Eventually though, Alejandro bites the bullet, manouvering conversation for the two of you,

"Okay. Here's the thing - we have to come across as natural, right? As newlyweds who are madly in love, or something."

Or something, huh? It appears even the moon outside mocks you, crows cackling and taunting the two of you as he continues to drive. You try not to overthink it and nod along, swallowing back repressed feelings,

"Yeah. Exactly. And we're seasoned professionals, we can do this!"

"Exactly."

You don't miss how his shoulders ease, tension swiftly rippling down through his arms as his grip on the wheel lessens slightly. Your heart in particular does not let it go, tugging as you attempt to gulp back the mild pain blooming across your chest.

Somehow it felt worse than actually being shot at.

1935 hrs. Traffic had held the two of you back on your way up. As Alejandro finally parks, you can't help but to rest your hands on the middle of your torso, letting out a slightly shaky breath as you (attempt) to drown out anxieties. To absolutely nobody's shock, he notices.

Because of course he does,

"You okay there? Seem a little.. uh.. tense.."

"…"

Now this was strange. He was not used to hearing you so quiet. So filled with a strange silence. He reaches a hand out across the car, resting on your knee (this is great for your already out of control heart, of course),

"Hey. Don't take it all to heart, yeah? We'll be okay in there."

"Yeah. I've done it a million times before, and I'll do it a million times after."

"Exactly. Just gotta find a covert spot, do some sightseeing and call it a day."

"Mhm. Just like.. stealing a lollipop.. from a baby.."

…which is incredibly difficult, for the record. Babies have this vice like grip that tightens around everything they hold as if it is the only thing that'll keeo them alive. What a terrible phrase! As your mind concerns itself with this, Alejandro walks round to your side of the car, helping you out and leading you into the tightly packed gala,

"Lucky for us, this'll make our job easier, hmm?"

"Just gotta find that room."

"Agreed."

'That room' was a room Lazwell had shown the two of you on the blueprints before sending you on the mission. It was perfect - hidden and high up - allowing you to easily observe any shady deals going down. Only issue was, getting up there would be a hassle, given how many people you'd have to get by.

Three hours pass easily, and neither you nor Alejandro has found an angle that would get you up to the room without countless problems. Not for lack of trying, mind you. Every time the two of you began looking towards the stairs, someone would drag you into conversation, or an influx of people would move downstairs (making it too obvious to go back upstairs).

However, you start paying attention. There is one way to get upstairs, without being stopped or rerouted downstairs. You look over to Alejandro, winking and moving your face subtly towards the stairs, leading him away from the crowd the two of you had found yourselves in. When close enough, you lean into him, grateful that he leans down enough for you to whisper,

"Follow my lead, Mr Pierce~"

As you lean back, his eyebrows draw together into a slightly concerned look, but he still follows. Especially when your hand slots into his, leading him up the stairs. You ensure to turn back towards him with flirty glances inbetween. It's the first one that has his eyes widening, mouth dropping open before shutting immediately as he finally realises what's happening. It's funny - every other time the two of you had been stopped on your way up, yet as soon as the two of you hint at making your way upstairs for… 'freaky' time, as Rudy had so crudely put it, not a single person even looks your way.

It works so well, in fact, that the two of you make it all the way up to the room - without interruptions. As Alejandro quietly closes the door behind you, pushing in the lock, you glance out of the window.

Oh. No, no, that would not do.

"Erm.. Alejandro..?"

"Mhm?"

"Slight problem.."

"Go on.."

"We're like.. really visible.."

"Really visible?"

"Really, really visible."

As Alejandro finishes scoping the room, Lazwell's voice crackles through over the comms,

"Shit. This is bad. Okay, standby as we figure this out."

The two of you look at each other - perplexed. The blueprints made it look much higher, but if Alejandro had stood at the window any longer than ten seconds, he'd be found immediately! They'd see him far before he was able to find the intel.

As Lazwell and Co rack their brains, trying to find a solution to your predicament, an idea forms in your mind. The kind of idea you definitely should ignore, and the kind you should shove down into the depths of your brain - only to pull it out in the cold, cold nights, as your fingers trail down your body, heat risi-

Ahem.

Sorry…

"Terrible idea incoming…"

"No."

"Hear me out."

"I don't want to. You said it was terrible!"

"Just give me a moment here?"

"…fine."

"Do.. do we need comms on?"

Alejandro paused, mouth opening and closing as he thought about it. Did you guys need comms on? Was it actually necessary? Your comms crackle again as Rudy comes over this time,

"Nope! We can turn comms off if it would compromise yo- are you about to do what I think you're about to do."

"N-no.."

"What are we about to do?"

"Oh my God - Kate, they're about to get freaky!"

"…"

"No, no, surely not - no?"

His eyes drift over to yours, and suddenly the noise and clamour on the comms dies out. Suddenly, the air feels so much fuller, tense and coated with a thick pressure that does not help.

"Are you serious???"

"Do you have a better idea? Besides, it's not getting freaky.. just erm.. well.. making out..?"

"Just making out??"

"Yes! Think about it - you'd be able to stand at the window, and get the footage we need, without being found out!"

"This is your genius idea?"

"Again - do you have anything better?"

"…"

As if to add more insult to the already awfully awkward situation, Rudy's voice trickles through the comms again,

"I, for one, think you should."

This was expected. Rudy had been rooting for the two of you, after all. At every post mission party, every TF 141 + Los Vaqueros barbecue - he had been there, setting you up. What you had not expected was for Lazwell to come through next,

"…I agree."

"???"

"Kate???"

"Yes. If you really think about it.."

"Kate Lazwell. Agreeing with my stupid idea."

"I.. am in disbelief."

"As am I, Colonel. Anyway, we're cutting communications from here on - you're both going rogue."

"…"

"Wait, Ka-"

KAZZZHHHKHH~!

The two of you look at each other, officially rogue in the field. Rogue with a very dangerous plan. You unintentionally bite your lips, and feel your heartbeat quicken as you feel his eyes trail down to your lips. He inhales slowly, exhaling even slower as the two of you take gentle steps towards the window - only for you to throw a hand in front of him, stopping him,

"It's too obvious if we approach the window like this."

"You're right. C'mere."

He doesn't give you a moment to actually move towards him, his arms wrapping around your torso and pulling you close. His head drops to your shoulder as he slowly sways you around the room. There's something awfully bittersweet that tugs around your heart, practically tearing it in two as he manoeuvres the two of you against the wall beside the window. You can feel his heart beating against your chest - or was that you? Whoever it was had been betrayed by how fast it beat, but neither you nor him really acknowledged it. He moved your arms around him, and you followed as he slowly worked his hands towards your back - all as you begin to tense up.

You can feel him swallow back a lump as his lips find your ear,

"Hey, hey cálmate - it's okay. I'm here."

You barely manage a hum in response, nodding slightly as he presses a kiss under your ear - wait a minute! He… he didn't need to do that. That was unnecessary. As long as his face was remotely near you and it looked like you were making out, that would've been enough, no? His lips trail closer to your neck - where he pauses, pulls back and tugs his blazer off. You follow him, hands chasing hands as you return his hands around your waist (for you or for the mission?),

"Alejandro…"

"I know, I know - the window. I'll dip you slowly over, make it look less obvious."

He's praying you can't tell that it's not just a mission thing, and that he wants nothing more than to take his time with you, and it just happens to be that it actually benefits the two of you if he does take it slow. Lucky for him, you're too busy stressing over your own heart to tell.

His hands wrap around your waist properly this time, moving you towards the window - the open window, where the cool night breeze tickles against your skin. Whether intentionally or not, his hands start to roll small circles into your skin, soothing you. Your hands find his shoulders as you look up at him.

For this moment, you are more than willing to forget the mission. Forget Lazwell waiting back at base for intel, and forget everything around you - because there's something that pulls you closer to him in his eyes. Something soft, warm, and far too real for just a mission.

His arms move around so they now support your back better. Your own arms move so they're now wrapped around his neck, pulling him down towards you. He murmurs something under his breath, smirking and raising his eyebrows at you as you bat your eyelashes at him. As he lowers himself to you properly, you can't help but to arch into his touch.

And then his lips press against your own.

Fireworks erupt in your brain as you melt into his soft, sweet lips. His thumbs continue to roll circles into your skin as he angles his lips against yours, where they slot together so perfectly. You hum into the kiss as one hand finds your head - cradling you against him. It's unfair, how both you and him struggle with the situation you find yourselves in. On the one hand, it greatly benefits the two of you, as you finally live out your wildest dreams. On the other hand, not knowing how the other feels hurts more than any wound either of you had ever felt.

You can't help the sob that let's go from your mouth, and he pulls back immediately, eyes shot wide with concern,

"Hey, you good? What's up?"

Oh dear. This was not what you wanted. How were you supposed to confess your undying love for him in these conditions? You shake your head, unable to stop the tears.

He breathes out slowly, eyebrows moving into a concerned face as his heart drags further down. Just seeing the tears stroll down your face like that has him feeling awful, and he can't hold back any longer,

"I need to tell you something."

"I need to tell you something."

"Oh-"

"Well-"

"You go first."

"No, no - you."

"No, Alejandro please - I.. I need a moment."

He sighs, nodding as he pauses to find the words,

"I don't know if this will help at all, and I know we're short on time so here goes nothing, yeah? I love you. I've loved you since the moment you first walked in - confident, gorgeous and the brightest light in the room. I thought I could ignore it, and just move on but unfortunately, it consumes me in a way that I cannot ignor-mmph?!"

With every word that tumbles out of his mouth, everything begins to make sense. The awkwardness between you, the way his hand would linger near you. That one time last week when the power went out…

It made too much sense.

Unfortunately, you're not sure you can make words work. Not when you've just been sobbing, and the sudden fear of being found hits you again. You grab his face, pressing your lips up against his (cutting him off and taking him by surprise). At first it's rough and harsh, but the two of you soften to each other again.

This time, his arms wrap around you more naturally. You feel his biceps against your skin, gasping as one arm lifts your leg to wrap around his waist. He smirks, and you blush - looking away before his fingers move your chin back to face him. And whilst last time you weren't so sure, this time you know.

Now you're one hundred percent sure that the look in his eyes is love. Sweet, adoring love. He begins to lower you over the window again, and this time it's much easier. The cool air outside mixes with the heat between the two of you as he works you slowly. Sweetly. Taking his time as his eyes flick upwards.

It's luck that has kept the two of you safe so far. The deal was due to occur in two minutes from now, and Alejandro finally spots the two parties slowly walking towards each other, looking around. If the two of you had gone with the initial plan - watching closely with a pair of binoculars, passing information back to Lazwell and praying you wouldn't be found - you would fail almost immediately. Plus, he couldn't deny the added benefit of finally confessing to you.

He watches as they quickly and swiftly pass the package between them (a memory stick, holding trade secrets. The two of you wouldn't be able to take them on anyway, but unknown to them was the tracking device attached.), attempting to ignore how your hands were moving up his body, and how your lips had found the side of his head, about to whisper when-

"So, has the deal been done, or…?"

You pause, mid air, and the two of you turn towards each other - eyes widening as he whisks you away from the window. Weren't comms supposed to b-

"Lazwell?"

"I thought you turned comms off??"

"…"

"Lazwell."

"Kate… please tell me you didn't hear me."

"…"

"Oh my God, Alejandro - they definitely heard you!"

"No, no, no, I-"

"Ayy, Alejandro! Fucking finally, bro!"

"Rudy???"

"Rudy, listen-"

"You got the girl!"

"…"

"…"

"So erm…"

"…"

"…"

"You guys should come back soon, you know.. if you've erm… gotten the intel, of course..?"

He sighs, head in his hands as he groans. You laugh. Full, hearty and filled with giggles as you double over, shaking your head. For a moment, he feels concerned again,

"Of course they heard! Ugh, Soap probably convinced them to leave comms on - why am I not shocked?"

"Okay but - you're okay with this?"

"Alejandro.. Alejandro, I love you too, you know? It doesn't matter that much to me that they all know now. I have you, and you have me, right? Nothing else matters."

He breathes out a sigh of relief, letting you lead him back out to the car.

The drive back is much easier now. The two of you spend your time planning dates, laughing about weird shared experiences between both Rudy and Soap trying to set you up, and somewhat suggestive conversation between you.

As you both tumble out of the car in fits of giggles, Lazwell raises an eyebrow - before quickly turning to the others and signalling back (they, of course, had wheeled out the whiteboard filled with an 'Alejandro x You Surprise Pool', with bets listed across the board. If the two of you hadn't been so busy giggling, you would've caught Ghost angrily shoving twenties into Soap's hands!).

The debrief is even quicker, with the two of you speeding through the information and praying Lazwell would let you go as soon as possible.

Somewhere, somehow - someone heard your prayers as Lazwell sends the two of you away, keeping the others back for more work. Groans and sighs fill the room as Alejandro and you speed walk away from the scene, with him leading you to his truck.

An hour and a half later, you're at his ranch. Fast asleep and curled up into the jumper he had laid onto the seat. He smiles at the sight, taking a quick picture to tease you with in the morning before holding you bridal style as he carried you inside and upstairs. He lays you down on the bed, leaving to get you a glass of water for when you (eventually) wake up.

Lucky for him, you wake up as soon as he leaves. A small part of you panics, until he walks back into the room, cup in one hand outstretched towards you,

"Wakey wakey, sleepyhead~"

"I.. have never fallen asleep so good."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Bet I can change that."

"Ya think, Colonel~?"

You drink the water slowly - never breaking eye contact, letting some of the water dribble out as you lower the cup. He raises his eyebrows as he moves towards you, eyes filled with hunger and need.

His hands make quick work of your clothes, and yours of his. It's not long before various garments lie strewn across the usually picture perfect bedroom. You let him pull you into his arms, fingers lowering to your folds as they spread them apart. Inhaling sharply, you press your head into his shoulder as he chuckles,

"So wet already, huh? And all we did was kiss.."

"Not like you're much better."

"Touché."

You move your head, eyes trailing down his perfect abs to stare at his thick, bulging cock - cum weeping out as he moves the two of you around. His sheer strength has you weaker in the knees, wetter as his tip begins to slowly move up into you. It's slow, big and fills you in ways that have your back arching out. Your nails find his shoulders, digging in with every passing inch as both your mouth and his drop open. He lowers you down on the bed - his body practically encapsulating yours as his lips graze over your skin. They pause, hovering over your hardened nipples as his tongue flicks out over one. His mouth lowers onto it next, sucking and moaning as one hand of yours tangles in his hair and the other grasps at his back.

His other hand works your left nipple, twisting and tugging, teasing as you gasp and sigh - waves of pleasure rippling through the two of you as he thrusts into you slowly,

"F-faster, Ale.. please baby, I need you so bad~!"

"Anything for you, mi vida.."

And he complies. Moving his mouth onto the other nipple (because the idea of only paying attention to one and not the other does not sit quite right with Alejandro Vargas, not when loving all of you comes as easily to him as breathing), he sucks and teases as he thrusts faster than before.

In and out, in and out as the two of you moan and groan together. Outside, the cold winds tumble around the grounds, and the cold moonlight trickles in through the window, casting an almost celestial glow upon the two of you as both your brains turn to mush. The only thought remaining on your minds is each other, and how good it finally feels. Your walls tighten around his has he practically bullies your cervix over and over again, riding you out through your overwhelmingly sharp orgasm. And as your arms tighten around him - nails digging into his skin as you cry out and cum harder than you had ever done before - he slows just enough as he cums just after you.

Every thrust is slower than the last, until he comes to a complete stop. The two of you stay there, panting together as he slowly lowers himself down on you, head nuzzling into your shoulder. His lips press against your skin as you sigh in pure bliss.

However, the air around you is now warm. Overly warm. And sticky. And neither you nor him enjoy that. He slowly pulls out, pressing a kiss to your forehead as you whine,

"I'll be right back, yeah? Gotta run a bath for us now, pretty girl."

You nod, letting your head fall back against the pillow as he fills the tub with warm water. He comes back to pick you up again, carrying you over and into the tub. Ever the sweet, caring type, Alejandro presses a glass of water against your lips, helping you drink before you lay your head against his chest - listening to his peaceful heartbeat as he washes you down. Between the soft ripples of water from everytime he moves to wash you down and the slow heartbeat that eases your mind, you find yourself drifting off to sleep in his arms.

In the morning, you're awakened by the sweet smell of pancakes. You let yourself wake up slowly - the sun peeking in over the room as you yawn, stretch and slowly move out of bed. Beside the bedside table, one of Alejandro's shirts lies waiting for you, and you throw it on (because what else were you gonna wear - the ballgown from last night???).

As you make your way downstairs, there he stands. In all his glory, with a pink, frilly apron tied around his waist. You stifle a giggle - taking a picture to tease him with later on (unbeknownst to you, he unfortunately still has the picture from last night as rebuttal) - and wrap your arms around his waist.

He turns, pulling you in closer and pressing you against a counter, lips find yours. But as much as the two of you would love a part two of last night, the pancakes (and trying not to burn down the kitchen) feel higher priority,

"Ahem, Ale?"

"Mhm?"

"The pancakes, my love."

"Ah fuck. The pancakes…"

As he steps back, assessing the pancakes with the focus only a soldier like him could have, you make your way to the table - looking around you.

Perhaps it wasn't such a bad thing - going undercover with your crush, and now boyfriend

xoxo, roe~

let me at him i beg

‘At the cost of my life!’ You internally scream, ‘the whole nine yards of it!’

After that bombshell of a reveal, and you losing another a piece of your soul with it— as they (unanimously forced by Nonno) decided to let that sit and stew with you as you got placed into the same room you woke up in.

“Ridiculous!” You cursed yourself, “what are the chances?!”

You wanted to rip your hair out at this point from how skewed your priorities were at the moment.

The minute you agreed, once again, to a damn proposal by the old man-- you got yourself fucked in the ass!

'Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice,'

"Shame on me," you mutter, your pace now slowing down as your distress subsides- thinking of better positives like, how losing a job and being out of it is still way worse! At least they were paying... right?

Oh, for fuck's sake- that money isn't even clean!

Although in times of struggle, you think of which weighs more- your hunger and comfort or your morals....

It was an easy pick, priorities were priorities after all- morals weren't gonna feed you on the street, a job was.

And an opportunity provided you with one!

With its own drawbacks of course, which meant that you were now tied to whatever family mafia this bakery started from. Which makes you question if... Nonno is or was... the big boss, the head muchacho, the el capitano, of the family.

"Cara," a knock sounds at the door, "can you let me in?"

'Speak of the devil...'

"Yeah," you gulped and approached the door, "its your shop, you know?"

The man laughs, as soon as your head peaked through the door to open it for him.

Nonno was quite tall for his age even with his back slightly hunched, but he had no need for a cane-- he still looked as lively as the photo on the pin board, just with salt and pepper colored hairs and it growing out at all of his possible orifices.

He looks like that type of old guy that reads the paper outside of coffee shops that open up in the wee hours of the morning. Kind, lowkey, keeps to himself, offering up a pleasant, "good day!" to whoever passes.

Yet, that gets skewed now with how your perception gets tainted with your previous thoughts of him being... that type of person.

"But your room." He simply counters, slowly entering the room and ending up by sitting by your bed, to which he pats his hand on.

Nodding, you approach him and sat where he signaled you to. Hands on your lap with your back as straight as a trained soldier, it was too easy to notice the uneasiness you were feeling. Which was quite the opposite of the vibe Nonno was exuding at the moment.

"So you want to work here?" Nonno asks, starting it off easy, to which you appreciated and replied in kind.

"I do," and you face him, "if you'd let me."

He smiles this time, gently grabbing your hands with one and patting it with the other.

"You're a good kid." He compliments confidently.

You pout, "that's kinda ironic for what I'm signing up to, isn't?"

He shakes his head, the smile never leaving his face, "so you've heard."

"Nonna said so," you shrugged, "I honestly wouldn't have figured that out if she didn't tell me otherwise."

This time he huffs, as if he couldn't believe his wife did such thing, but you think it might be because of a different reason from how that smile contrasts that far away look in his eyes.

"And you still want to work here?"

He asks after some moments of contemplation and you nod.

"And you're fine with us being affiliated with the mafia?"

You take a pause this time, reading into his wording.

"So," you slowly voiced out your concern, "you and Nonna aren't part of the mafia?"

He pats your cheek, shaking his head.

"Our children are. We just raised them, and naturally," he wistfully reminisces, "we couldn't let them go. 'Family is forever-' a creed that similarly works for them as well."

You took a breath in as you try to ingest the explanation you needed to hear, you wanted to hear more but it looked as if that it was taxing for the man to continue on.

So you gave him space, but he pulled you closer by tugging your hands, silently telling to not leave yet and hear him out more.

"People came and went at this bakery but they never left," he says so softly, his thumbs rubbing your clasped hands, trying to find his own means of comfort- whether you provide it or not.

But you did, and let him.

"and they wouldn't let someone like you left hanging by your own as well."

This time you had to raise at brow at his vague wording.

"But," you try to explain, "I just met them? I'm quite literally a stranger you met not even twenty-four hours ago."

You feel him pull you close, your head under his chin and you don't feel the instinctual urge to pull away at the moment.

"They're soft-hearted kids," you could feel his chest rumble, "they only want to help. We want to help."

You were a bit confounded but nodded anyways, not feeling like denying this right now would end well, so you try... to let it pass.

"You raised that bearded guy right then," you let out a chuckle of your own, "said the same exact thing-- even though it was said through Suds."

He pulls you away for a moment to look at you, asking who the hell is 'Suds' and you explained what happened earlier- making him bellow quite similarly to how Graves was earlier.

You smile at the similarity, now seeing how close these children might be to the old couple.

Maybe the reality you were in wasn't so bad. The five men you've met so far have been decent to you, and haven't quite attempted anything that made you consider them dangerous of the sort.

Maybe you can't take their words and actions as it is at the present, but you knew you could with Nonna and Nonno.

You had your own intuition, a personal vibe check of people you meet and you unconsciously do it with everyone; so you were quite sure that, if you had to work here and had to rely on someone-- they would be your best bet every time.

So you let the moment happen, accepting that if life had led you to this moment, it must be for a reason right? You could only that it was a good one at that.

After clearing up that murky air in your room, you offered Nonno your genuine appreciation.

"Though," you added on after a couple of giggles from the story you told him, "you shouldn't feel forced to help me. I'm happy to work the hours and for the meals you and Nonna have given me so far."

He huffs, standing up from your seated positions on the bed.

"To think that you have the audacity to assume that we're being forced to do anything at our age?"

You kinda had to laugh at that statement, it was quite excessive but truthful all the same.

"Just want to let you know that I'll still help around here if you need me to."

You both share a grin and a nod of agreement, understanding the feelings underneath all the words exchanged.

"Then let's put you to work!"

Nevermind.

You wished you hadn't let that moment happen.

Fate simply likes to toy with you and your existence apparently.

Right when you thought you could be on the same page with someone, they slap you with a dose of reality that your list of chores is unending and it needs to be worked on now.

After your chat with Nonno, he asked you to go and pick-up groceries for him.

In which you find yourself trapped between two men, where you could say that they could quite easily and thoughtlessly break you neck with their biceps and thighs alone.

"A'int no way Nonno would let someone pick up his groceries for 'im."

The man, standing intimidatingly hot in front of you, had a deep frown on his face- arms crossed in a wide legged stance that made it impossible for you to escape at any angle you tried to even attempt to wriggle through.

Especially not with his, stern and cute, buddy that held the same position but with a more stone-cold look on his face.

"Look," you sigh, "I don't know who you are but I'm just running errands for him."

You see them share a look, whispers of 'spanish?' you think that you picked up on but drop it when they turn to you again.

"Hard to believe that he would, pendejo."

You gave him an offended look but grunted, arms shaking from the amount of plastic and paper bags you had in your hands.

You find yourself in quite a predicament, all because you mentioned who the groceries were for when you entered a couple shops around the market district of the city.

The list, in of itself, was quite lengthy and all the more of the things you had to carry.

You only regretted now that you rescinded your acceptance of Ghost's assistance in shopping once he dropped you off here.

Maybe he would've warded off these weirdos with his presence alone, or slap a brand right in front of his jacket stating he was part of the mafia-- whichever way that could be easier and less humuliating than the moment where you're in right now.

Arms struggling to juggle the bags, legs shaky from all the walking you had to do, and just simply overly exhausted from the life you stumbled into not even 48 hours in since you had left your own city.

"What else do you want me to say then?" you grumble, wanting to get over with this so you could just catch the next bus already-- which was coming in quite close with a few minutes to spare.

"Proof," the more clean faced guy answers, hand held out as if you were going to something.

You aren't even able to hand them ANYTHING!

Though you were tired, tired of the conversation, and tired of them hustling you so you nodded, saying that the list Nonno wrote himself is in your jacket pocket.

The more scuffed bearded man nods, letting the other check your pocket and grab the paper hanging out of your pocket.

He opens it up and his eyes widen, offering it to the other guy who you noticed had cursed under his breath.

"Believe me now?" you ask sassily, although a bit out of breath at this point and they nod.

"Apologies chiquit@," the second guy apologies, a more welcoming grin on his face, "can't be too safe around this place, you know?" {A/N: spanish for little one}

"Uhuh..." you agree, eyes narrowing. "Can I leave now, then?"

They both shook their heads, which made your mouth open in complaint until they grabbed all the stuff from you- ruffling your feathers even more.

Like you didn't have enough problems in the world-!

"We're gonna get ya' back to the bakery," the second one explains and you let them, quite relieved that they got the stuff from you but you still had your guard up. "you were gonna catch the bus right? We can just bring you there."

You shook your head at that proposal. You- alone with two strangers that literally was one click away from ending your guts just because you knew someone called Nonno?

"I don't even know you people!" You accused, "If you ask me, don't you look strange for knowing Nonno and asking a stranger if they knew who he was?!"

They both looked at each other before cracking up in laughter, making you toss your hands up in frustration, furiously rubbing at your face as the blood started rushing to your cheeks.

"You really don't know huh?"

The less bearded guy asks, wiping an invisible tear from his eyes ad you nastily remarked back a, "i don't fucking know- so what?!" to which makes him cackle again by throwing his head back.

"I'm Alejandro," the other introduces, finally coming down from his own set of his giggles, but you could still see his chest stutter.

He slaps his other friend on the back, making him sputter but eventually introduce himself as "Rodolfo, my boss' right hand man," and he pats Alejandro on his shoulder, making them both grin.

And you stare.

And stare.

And...stare...

"Oh shit!"

You facepalmed.

This was the guy you were going to ask Nonna about in the photo at the pin board. You couldn't believe this guy existed in the flesh--

"You look so different from your picture!" You pointed at Alejandro who slightly tilts his head in confusion, "the one at the pin board at the kitchen!"

He nods and chortles, "well I was quite young then," realizing what photo you were referring to.

Your shoulders drop at this, that photo looked recent from how colorized and clean it was!

"Ah sorry," you apologized, "for my comment and not realizing you were Nonno's sons."

They waved their hands, a more easy-going pace exuding from them as the tenseness from the air dissipates.

"It's all good," Rodolfo reassures, "we we're just alarmed that Nonno allowed someone asides from himself to get his ingredients."

"We weren't even allowed to do it," Alejandro rolls his eyes, "that uptight viejo." {A/N: spanish for old man}

You nod in understanding... well only a bit because you didn't quite relate to that notion but agreed nonetheless.

"So," Alejandro smirks to you, "let's ride?"

Surprisingly, the ride wasn't even half bad, nor getting to know the two and their own mafia called Los Vaqueros.

The ride was quite long from the traffic so that gave you enough time to explain your situation and what you knew to them. You thought that, if they were Nonna and Nonno's sons anyways, you'll eventually meet them down the line while working at their place. You were bound to meet them one way or another, even though first meetings aren't your best first impressions.

By the time you got back, it was nightfall and the time to close up shop. Which meant, you were also clocked out for the day--

"once I get this all sorted, I swear I'll sleep so soundly tonight."

Your grumble made the two laugh.

Alejandro and Rodolfo stayed to help with sorting all the groceries after having a quick chat with Nonno- who you overheard had scolded them and got a TV remote slapped to the you think.

You could only assume from the buttons you could press on Rodolfo's cheeks really.

Either way, you were quite grateful for their help, even when they offered you a ride back to your co-worker's apartment.

You thanked the old couple profusely, and they could only roll their eyes in response, saying that it was not a problem and just go (even though they were the ones tightening their arms around you.)

"You take care kid." Nonno pats your head and bids you farewell kindly.

"Don't forget to come in early tomorrow!" Nonna reminds and bids you farewell not so kindly because of it.

Poking fun at your expression, the two were just so amused by how quickly both you and their parents had become so attached.

"Still can't believe your co-worker would put you in this damn place chiquit@." Rodolfo comments from the hood of the car, as he leans backwards to eye the rundown building that was in front of you three.

You shrugged, pulling closer your purse to look for the keys he gave you with the note.

Right... you couldn't find the note.

Oh, well- you guessed that you lost it in the rain that night.

"Well I had no choice, need a bed to sleep in and a place to call home y'know?"

They both frown at this but made no moves to stop you as you step into the building and ascend the stairs to the apartment.

"Thanks a lot Alejandro, Rodolfo." You smile, giving a little wave while they do the same.

"Just call us if you need anything!" Alejandro shouts and you grin, giving up a thumbs up before leaving their line of sight.

Leaving them to their thoughts.

"This is too suspicious," Rudy mutters, "smells like something is brewing."

Alejandro nods, "and we need to find out just what, amigo."

"That note," Price lifts said paper up and slides onto the middle of the table, "had the logo of a lamb's horn it."

The three men stand in shock, hands slamming on the table.

"Ya' mean..."

"Its him."

"Any other leads?" Gaz asks, now pacing around the room.

"This is the lead," Price points at the paper, "gave up finding the bastard and he willingly shows up." He mutters to himself, hand stroking his beard in thought.

"Boss," Ghost starts, "we need to interrogate her now."

"Oi," Soap counters, "not so fast sir."

"Why not?" Ghost growls.

"'Cause she's a bystander." Price explains, hands both faced down on the table.

"How are you so sure of that?"

"Ghost watch your tone," Gaz warns but backs down with the raised hand of Price.

"Why don't you test her then?" Price turns to Ghost- a knowing grin on his face, "see if you can squeeze out anything for us, hm?"

Ghost nods while Soap protests, but was silenced by both his superiors.

"I'll leave it to you then."

"Soap, Cam, Ghost! You're alive." Rudy peeked out of his hiding spot, seeing he was also relieved to see it was the three of y'all.

"Affirmative." Ghost confirmed as Rudy approached y'all, holding the knife Ghost threw at him.

"Good to see you amigos and amiga." Rudy greeted y'all, making sure you weren't left out.

"Igual, amigo." Soap agreed.

"Nice throw." Rudy complimented Ghost as he handed back his throwing knife to him, Ghost taking it back.

"Where were you guys?" Rudy asks.

"On the run. Graves betrayed us and they got.." You almost couldn't say it, "they got Alejandro."

Rudy knew damn well how you were feeling as well as the guilt that was boiling inside. You were honored on protecting your Colonel, regardless of the fact that you two were secretly seeing each other. That secret not being so much as a secret now that you told Soap and Ghost even though according to Ghost 'everyone knows already.'

"You did everything that you could." Soap tried to reassure you.

"But it wasn't enough. Because he still got hit and taken away." You grumble.

"Ya es suficiente, Cam.[That's enough, Cam]." Rudy scolded you.

You felt as though your parent was disciplining you for something you did.

"You know damn well, Alejandro would not be blaming you for him getting held hostage so you shouldn't be blaming yourself for it. You almost died for him, ya know?" Rudy mentioned.

Flashbacks of Grave's gun being pointed at you flashed into your mind. Even though it just happened barely an hour ago, it feels like it's been forever ago when it did.

"You saw that?" You ask Rudy.

"Barely, but I did. You know Alejandro would be honored to have someone like you under his command." Rudy reassured you some more.

You could feel his words getting through to you. He was right after all. He has known Alejandro the longest, so he would know how he really feels.

"Alright, alright, yeah." You say.

"We are gonna need reinforcements." Ghost spoke up.

You smiled to yourself, knowing damn well Alejandro has this place stocked up for basically if a apocalypse were to happen.

"Yeah, we won't have to worry about that." You say, making your way to the hidden gun compartment.

You were more than ready now to go rescue your Colonel and to take down that cabrón Graves.

~

Through all the gunfire, killing, and chaos that happened, you hardly could even believe that Alejandro managed to get back to you in one piece. You had to seperate from the guys in order to get the rest of Los Vaqueros with Rudy while Ghost and Soap went to get Alejandro. By the time the group mingled back, there was more gunfire and fighting ensuing that you thought this would be the end, until Ghost and Soap's Captain came to the rescue with the rest of their team. They managed to get you, Ghost, Soap, Alejandro, Rudy and the rest of your men to safety at Alejandro's safe house. Even though the two of you were seated in the same vehicle, you two were so pumped with adrenaline that you barely could even reconcile. It wasn't until you all got to the safety of Ale's safe house that you both had a proper reunion.

"I'm so sorry, Ale." You cried into his chest, feeling his big arms hold you tightly against his chest.

"No necesitas disculparte, amar. [You don't need to apologize, love.] You did everything that you could." Alejandro held your face and made you look up at him.

He wiped the tears that fell down your cheek. Even though he didn't fault nor blame you for getting kidnapped, he wished he wasn't held up in that cell, only cause he had no idea what was going on up until that point he got knocked out. For all he knew you couldn't died the second after he got knocked out.

"Cariña, por favor no llores.[Honey, please don't cry]." Alejandro cooed to you, his face leaning so close to yours that his stubble was tickling your face.

It made you giggle, feeling his stubble give you 'kisses'.

"You're a brave fighter, and I'm glad that you're mine, Cam."

Before you could even respond back, Alejandro smashed his lips onto yours, giving you a passionate kiss in front of everyone. Your face turned immediately red, knowing everyone was watching you two, but at the same time, you didn't. You figured they all had their suspicions, like Ghost said, even though you didn't think the two of y'all were that obvious. Alejandro placed his hands on your hips, bringing you even closer to him and you placed your hands on his broad shoulders.

"Oh Cam." Alejandro mumbled through the kiss.

You could feel all of his love for you pouring into this kiss and close contact. He was a very passionate and loving man. You already knew that, but he proved that to you every single day, no matter the circumstances.

"Ale." You mumbled back, feeling his lips connect back onto yours but only for a second.

"Will you marry me?"

You almost fainted hearing that question pop out of his mouth. You knew it would come soon, but not this soon.

"Alejandro, are you sure?"

"Yes, amar. I am. Life's too short to not get married, you know?" Alejandro smiled at you as he said that.

"You're right, Mr. Vargas." You leaned in and kissed his cheek, "I'll become Mrs. Vargas. Just so as long as you'll have a family with me."

Alejandro smirked at you, his eyes going up and down at you and your body.

"Of course, cariña, Of course." Alejandro promised, placing a final kiss on your lips.

You knew the fight wasn't over, but you had a feeling everything would be alright, especially once you kill that bastard Graves and his people that betrayed you and your Colonel.

END.