IN ALL HONESTY, Devora wasn't quite too sure about what to expect when she had raced towards the building. Her heart was practically bursting through her chest.

She wasn't prepared for the worst. There was no way she would ever be ready to see her best friend lying cold and dead on the floor. She hadn't even told him yet, hadn't even confirmed what it was that she felt for him after all the clues and questions posed by the people around her regarding their relationship.

So when she ran, Devora ran with hope in her heart. She prayed that Nathan had been fortunate enough to survive the ordeal with a small harmless wound. Maybe he would be alright, simply sitting by Cain's table while nursing a bad bruise. Perhaps Candice might be merciful for once in her life and had spared a close friend.

In short, Devora prayed for selfish prayers. She knew they were self-serving desires because just mere moments ago, she was relieved to see another one of her own — albeit a traitor — lying on the ground dying. In other words, Devora's wishes were completely egotistical.

She only wanted to see her loved ones alive and well. No one else mattered.

On her second trip to a building that was originally meant for safety, Devora journeyed alone. She rounded the familiar corners, her feet padding loudly against the cement floor as she ran. When the heavy doors appeared wide open in front of her, she dashed in, almost crying out in relief that she had finally arrived.

Without wasting a second, she dashed in, her eyes searching for Nathan. It landed on his familiar figure a short distance away from the door, lying unconscious and unmoving.

"No," Devora couldn't help but mutter under her breath as she dropped to her knees. She landed right beside Nathan, pulling him into her hold. "Nathan? Nate?"

Her partner's eyes were closed, shut away from the whole world as though he had drifted into the realm of sleep. Nathan was undisturbed by the harsh winds of reality just like how the dead were unperturbed by the world of the living.

"Nathan! Nathan, please, please wake up!" Devora cried.

Grabbing him by the shoulders, she started to gently shake him before her hands jolted away as if he were made of hot lava. On her fingertips was once again the unforgiving shade of ruby, the bright haunting color of metallic blood from a fresh wound.

Instantly, Devora tore at Nathan's top, pulling the cloth apart until his wound was fully exposed before her.

On the left side of his shoulder was a deepened scarlet gunshot wound. The rims of the wound were already starting to darken into a rusty copper, the scent of iron making Devora gag just the slightest. She was never one to stomach the scent of blood and being an assassin didn't change that.

Although the wound was placed dangerously near to Nathan's vital organs, it didn't directly hit any of them. It was a pure miracle. Beneath the smooth palm of her hand, Devora could still feel Nathan's weak heartbeat, undeniably present.

Determined not to leave him behind twice, Devora hoisted Nathan's good arm over her shoulder, careful not to agitate the wound on his left shoulder as she staggered onto her feet. His body weight was pulling her down, the lower half of his body practically dragging across the floor like a ragdoll as Devora soldiered on towards the path of exit.

All the while, the girl only had a single thought in her mind. It fuelled her actions, gifting her energy and strength that she could have probably never mustered on an average day.

"It's okay, Nathan. I'm going to get you out of here. You'll be safe, you'll see."

Sunlight burned against Devora's skin in a welcoming manner, splintering hot rays across her flesh as she stepped out of the man-made shelter and into the woods. Even though the scent of blood was strong, there was no denying that the floral scent provided by the woods was still very prominent. This was, in fact, a good sign because it meant that they were nearer and nearer to the rest of the group and hence safety.

When the weight was slightly lifted from her shoulder, Devora thought that she was hallucinating due to the sun's intense heat. Her body was released from the burning ache and she turned over with her eyes wide. Nathan, though not standing upright to his full height, was walking along with her as best as he could. He dragged his feet behind him, the rustling sound of the emerald grass beneath their soles louder than ever.

"Geez, D-Dora," Nathan playfully chastised. "Can't... Can't you let a man have h-his rest?"

The brunette's jaw was slackened, her eyes wide as she blinked rapidly to ensure that she wasn't dreaming. When Nathan hissed under his breath and cursed from the pain, nearly collapsing to the ground, Devora was pushed back into reality all at once. She reached forward to steady him, her hands not once detaching themselves from him after.

"Nathan! Oh my gosh, you're okay!"

"No thanks to you." Nathan exhaled shakily, shutting his eyes for a moment to will his pain away. His pale lips trembled as he spoke, "Y-You're a shit partner for leaving me behind to handle Candice alone."

Tears were starting to brim the rims of Devora's eyes and although she had no clue why, she didn't mind the tears. Crying made it feel like the weight in her chest was being pulled up and away. Nathan was well and alive, enough to playfully banter with her.

That was enough.

Her prayers had come true.

"I'm—"

She hadn't been able to get an apology past her lips before a third voice shouted from the clearing. Travis's familiar silhouette slowly trudged out from the forestation, shoving past bushes and leaves. The second he spotted the pair, his face lit up and he ran over, darting towards Devora and helping her to support Nathan.

Together, the duo flanked their injured teammate, slowly leading him back to the helicopter.

"Man, you look like you've been through hell and back," Travis commented with a low whistle. His nose, despite the joking tone, was a little red and so were his eyes. They had all been worried.

"Really?" Nathan asked. He cheekily grinned, lips lopsided as he nodded in agreement. "Can't say it doesn't feel like it."

♕♕♕

The sharp alkaline odor of bleach was never something Devora was fond of. The hospital, unfortunately, was filled with that undesirable scent.

Like every other medical building, the hospital they were in was colored white. It was a bland, continuous, never-ending corridor that held multiple doors and corners. Even the staff members, both doctors and nurses, were dressed in the ghastly color. The monochromatic scene was repetitive and painfully glaring to look at, the LED lights way too bright and the white walls way too reflective.

Devora tapped the sole of her dirty boot against the smooth linoleum tiles of the floor, her patience wearing thin as another group of gossiping nurses strolled past her and down the hallway. It had been hours since all four injured parties on their team had been carted off by the doctors, leaving Devora, Travis, and Markus in waiting.

Travis had darted off shortly after, claiming that he needed something more potent than a cup of vending machine coffee to keep himself awake. Thus, he had decided to camp out in the hospital cafeteria in search of a better source of caffeine. That left Devora with Markus, the former neatly bandaged for the minimal scratches she had sustained in her brawl with Candice.

"You're nervous," Markus observed, his voice soft. It was almost as if he was speaking about something confidential and a potentially life-threatening secret. "What is it that is bothering you?"

"Just... Just worried," Devora answered. "I'm not afraid. I think."

Markus didn't reply, simply raising a single eyebrow as if to display his doubt. At that, Devora groaned, exhaling in annoyance. She realized her mistake. Markus had never said that he thought she was afraid. She was the one that had admitted to it unwittingly.

"Okay, I am afraid. I'm scared for Dallas and Nathan. They both sustained gunshots and Dallas that idiot even ran around with broken bones! To be honest, I have no idea how they made it this long, considering their tendencies to get injured. And Nathan... His injuries weren't light. He could've died from that shot or excessive blood loss. If I hadn't got to him on time... If only I hadn't left..."

The little boy kept silent, nodding as he listened. Entwining his fingers, he turned to face Devora.

"You know, I'm not worried about my father. I know that he is a strong man and he will no doubt be able to survive this. You just have to have the same amount of faith in your friends as well."

Where Markus had gained such wisdom beyond his age, Devora would perhaps never find out. She simply assumed that it was hereditary and that Markus's mother was a wonderfully bright woman as well. The young boy had a knowing glint in his irises, sparkling. A small smile had already started to curve on his lips as he patted Devora's shoulder twice reassuringly.

At that moment, a young nurse walked over. The strapping man had a clipboard in hand, clearing his throat lightly to get Devora and Markus's attention.

"Are you Mr. Julius Cain's family?" He asked, causing Markus to jolt up to his feet at the mention of his father.

"Yes," Devora answered, standing up as well. "I'm a... family friend. This is his son."

"Well, I have good news. Mr. Cain's injuries weren't severe. It will heal up nicely within a few weeks if all goes according to plan. You may visit him now if you wish."

Markus needn't be told twice. Immediately after he had heard his father was well, he peeked over at the nurse's clipboard and got the room number Cain was in. Before the nurse could stop him, he dashed right off, running with the vigor of a proper child. No doubt he was eager to be at his father's side as moral support. Whatever the child might preach, he was still worried about his parent.

"Wait!" Devora called, halting the nurse just as he was about to jog after Markus.

"Yes?"

"Um... I would like to ask about a few other patients? They're all my friends. Admitted at the same time."

"Ah." There was a knowing glint in the nurse's eye as he nodded. He flipped through the papers attached to the clipboard in his hand, shuffling until he got to the right page. "Mr. Nathaniel Jerald, Mr. Dallas Rokos, and Miss Leah Lane, am I right?"

As she nodded, she asked, "Yes. How did you—"

"This hospital is government-affiliated," the nurse replied with a smile. "And this block we're in is specific to treating the agents hired by Mr. Cain's organization. We don't take public patients in this particular building of the hospital and all nurses and doctors know that the information here is classified, no worries."

"Oh," Devora murmured, "I see."

Nodding once, the nurse continued to read from the documents. "Mr. Rokos is still in surgery. Miss Lane is currently in her room, as well as Mr. Jerald. I can lead to their rooms if you wish. However, Mr. Jerald might still be unconscious due to the anesthesia given in preparation for surgery earlier on."

"I would like to see him, please." Devora eagerly jumped at the opportunity. Then, she backed down once she realized how abruptly she had spoken. She coughed once lightly under her breath, specifying, "Nathan, I mean."

"Very well. This way, please."

It took less than five minutes to locate the private ward but that was still not enough time for Devora to calm down her wildly palpitating heart. Nevertheless, once the nurse informed her that they had arrived, Devora mustered up her courage and took in a deep breath, pushing the door open before peering in.

The bed which Nathan laid in was colored just as equally dull as the wallpapers that lined the walls of the hospital. He rested there alone, barely even moving other than the gentle, slow rise and fall of his chest as a result of his breathing. With his eyelids shut, Devora could see Nathan's unfairly long lashes gently kissing the bit of skin below his eyes. They were dark, rings that were filled with exhaustion. Being able to finally rest must be sweet.

At that moment, Nathan looked more at peace than he had ever.

"So, are you just going to stand there and stare at me like some sort of a creep?"

Nathan's eyelids were still shut so when the words left his mouth in a throaty croak, Devora jumped a little in shock. She hadn't expected him to be awake since the nurse had mentioned he might still be under anesthesia but this was nevertheless a welcome surprise.

"Nathan," she said breathily, sighing in relief. Slowly, she lowered herself onto the edges of his bed, reaching to clasp his hands in her own only to find them extremely chilly. She frowned, immediately using her body warmth to try to get his body temperature up. "How are you feeling? Do you want some water?"

Nathan nodded once, his shaggy brown hair tossed over his eyes from the movement. Reaching for the jug and glass, Devora carefully poured in a cup of water before slipping in a straw as well. She positioned the cup just by Nathan's chin, placing the tip of the straw between his lips for him to drink. Once he was done, he smacked his lips together before sighing, lowering his head back onto the soft fluffy pillow.

"Well, I guess it feels better now to have the bullet gone," he confessed.

His eyes were wide open, brown-colored irises that resembled the earth's fertile soil fixated on Devora's own glass-like blue ones. Nathan was content with just staring at her, watching her every movement in an attempt to mold it into his memory. He wanted to remember this moment for the rest of his miserable life. It was one of those rare moments where he could have Devora so close to his own beating heart that it felt as though heaven had just kissed his skin.

It was bliss.

"Well, I'm glad," said Devora. She reached out, gently combing back his hair. Stroking the strands, she played with them, curling the silky cords on her fingers before letting go and repeating. "I was so worried about you back there. When I heard the gun go off, I... I was so afraid that I wouldn't find you alive. I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have left you alone with Candice. I was your partner and I should've acted accordingly."

"Ah~ Don't blame yourself." Smiling nonchalantly, Nathan waved it off. Although he wouldn't admit it out loud, he was glad to hear the apology. Mainly only because it showed him clear as day that Devora actually cared enough about him to apologize, and sincerely at that. "You were only doing as told. I know that Cain asked you to bring him to Markus. If it consoles you, I almost had Candice beat too."

Nathan said the last bit with a grin but the familiar name only brought a frown to Devora's face, followed by a soured heart. When he noticed that his partner wasn't smiling in the least bit, Nathan knew that something was off.

"Dora, where's Candice?"

"Why do you care so much about her?" Devora countered.

Her question came out a little more snarkily than she had wanted it to. It sounded so vile and acidic, a distasteful tone that didn't sound that way when it was played in her head. However, spoken words couldn't be retracted once they were heard.

"Candice is my friend. I knew her for many years and grew up together. Of course I care about her," Nathan defended.

"She's a traitor, Nathan. She nearly killed Dallas and Leah." Then, Devora coldly laughed once. "She nearly killed you," she muttered.

"I'm sorry but... You don't know friendships like I do, Dora. Not before you were recruited, anyway." Nathan knew that it was a jab but what he said was also true. Devora had mentioned before that she didn't have a lot of friends before she joined the company. She wouldn't understand how it felt like to spend years with someone. "They're practically my siblings and bonds like that aren't so easily cast aside."

"Just your sibling?" Devora snorted in disbelief. She then mumbled under her breath, "Somehow I can argue the opposite." Taking in a deep breath, she continued, louder this time. "She's dead. Dallas killed her when we ran into her on our way back for you."

Stunned silence enveloped them both. For a while, neither of them spoke.

Nathan tried to process the information he had been given in his head. He knew that there was no way Candice would be able to live for long after she had made such a drastic play of cards. However, to hear that Dallas was the one that had ended her life was a shocking discovery. He had always felt like the odd one out. Dallas and Candice had always been closer to each other than to him.

His little family that was built because of the company had ultimately toppled for the same reason. There was nothing left behind anymore, nothing of the past.

Only after he had released himself from grief and the distress of hearing Candice's death had he realized that Devora said something else other than reporting Candice's death. She had been bitter, resentful, and while it might've just been because she was disappointed by Candice's betrayal, Nathan hoped for something else.

He hoped that maybe, just maybe, the girl he liked was finally reciprocating his feelings.

"Dora?" He dared to ask, "Are you jealous of Candice? Is that what it is?" The corners of Nathan's lips quirked up into a small smile as Devora jolted backward.

"What?" She looked flabbergasted. Her cheeks were red, blooming scarlet as her eyes darted back and forth. "Why would I be jealous?" Then she paused, chewing on her lip as she thought about her words. "Okay... Maybe I am envious of how perfect she is in every way. Pretty, skilled, talented, and so charismatic. And maybe if I had her name... I wouldn't be..."

"I wasn't talking about her looks or her name."

Pushing himself up to a sitting position with his right arm, Nathan leaned as close to Devora as possible without making her swerve away. He was just a good few inches away from Devora now, so close that he could see her eyelashes fluttering like a set of angel wings every time she blinked.

"You have a beautiful name, Devora. It's unique and so different from the rest of the world, just like your personality. You stand out among the group of mundane everyday human beings. And you're beautiful, so damn beautiful in every way that it just leaves me breathless every time I even glance at you.

Stunned, Devora turned to look Nathan in the eye. Their gazes collided, sending a symphony of emotions into the pit of Devora's stomach. She thought that her heart was going to burst at that moment, butterflies just swirling and fluttering around her stomach as Nathan's sweet honey-like words lulled her into a fairytale daze.

"And..." Nathan hesitated, gathering his courage. "I love you. For more than just being a pretty face or having a pretty name. You're a blessing in my life and I couldn't be more thankful that the angels had decided to send you my way and me into yours."

And there it was, the great confession that Nathan had held in his heart for so long of a time. Devora sucked in a deep breath through her pearly white teeth, her heart simply racing erratically that it felt near explosion every single time it beat. She held her breath, not knowing what exactly to say.

"Why? How is it that you love me? Out of so many people in the world, how could you even stand to be here? With my every flaw, every imperfection that the world need not hesitate to point out. Why me?" She asked.

"Should there really be a reason for liking someone?"

Nathan mocked her words from a very long time ago, a small smile curling onto his lips, turning Devora's own worried expression into a small grin as well when she noticed that the same sentence which she had used to explain something as simple as colors were used to describe herself. It was then she knew that some of the most beautiful things were, in fact, the simplest. And she was one of them.

Devora was the colors of Nathan's previously black and white life ever since the day she came into it, ever since their fates were intertwined.

"But I assume it is because you're always here for me. Even though you know of my past, and even though you know that I am not a good person and have done terrible things throughout my career and most likely will continue doing equally as terrible things, you're still here for me, never leaving or changing. That's why I love you. I love you for every flaw you have, much more than your perfections because those flaws are what makes you perfect in my eyes."

Devora could feel her heart skip almost painfully in her chest, but she reveled in the pain. A small drop of tear leaked from the corner of her eyes before she hastily rushed it away, chuckling slightly before she leaned into Nathan's embrace.

His long arms wrapped around her body, pulling her smaller physique into his hold. He hugged her as if she would disappear the moment he let go of her. It was a blissful moment for both of them, Devora especially, because she felt loved for the first time in forever. Her heart had finally led her to someone who could keep her mind sane once more. She hadn't had such a person for a very long time.

Nathan was more precious than the stars she whispered to at night because he was by her side when those stars were millions of miles away, burning in space and completely unreachable. In other words, the stars may be a constant but Nathan was real. He was alive. And he was burning just as vividly and vibrantly.

When she pulled away, Devora couldn't help herself but lean in, placing her lips against Nathan's as her eyes fluttered shut. The kiss lasted not longer than a second or two, but by the time she pulled away, Nathan already seemed starstruck.

"Thank you for loving me," Devora murmured through sobs, leaning her forehead against his. "Thank you for giving me a chance to love you."

————

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