A/N: Hello all. This content was written a while ago and is set within the Uncharted 2 story arc. It was intended to be a series of one-shots that address the inbetween moments of the events in the game. I had only written 2 one-shots. Not sure if I'll resume where I left off, but hopefully this inspires anyone who cares to read it!
Upper Hand
"The Cintamani stone is stirring up a lot of interest these days."
"I bet."
"Speaking of interests…", he has the decency to raise a brow as he pushes a dog-eared file photo across the table, "Know him?"
"Nathan Drake", she smirks slightly, and it makes her next lie a bit anticipated, "Only in passing."
Oh there's something more to that story. It's actually quite endearing how all of the passion in her reaction is smoothed down to subtlety in seconds. But he can still see it; he can guess at what it means. There she is, still stinging from the same months-old pain and Flynn can practically feel it resonating from her like heat from a fire. And maybe that's what it is –heat. Because when Chloe loses, she shows all the markings of a messy exit, with gritted teeth instead of tears, and a ferocious need to prove how unaffected she is. He can appreciate this though because it is such a masculine response, so entirely different from what he has come to expect of other women (rightly or wrongly). More importantly, he can use this. Sure, untamed power is dangerous, but letting her have it is essential.
Maybe it's in poor taste for him to comment on it, but he can't resist. ''We all get burned, love. It's just that you're the one usually doing all the burning."
She looks almost smug, "You would know."
He kisses her palm and her fingers close into the spot, so his lips move to her wrist, determined.
"Are these your spoils or mine?" she asks.
"Let's figure it out together."