Author's note: Here we are, another chapter down, only a lot more to go. As always, thanks to RStyle for beta reading. Enjoy.
What Will It Take?
Chapter 24
"Amelie, we're going to be late!" Lena whined as she practically dragged the French woman by the hand.
"She has a bad leg chérie, it's not like she's going anywhere."
Lena stopped and glared at her girlfriend, "That's not funny." They walked into the hospital room and met the two operators, "Did we miss it?"
"Hey guys." Said Meghan, "And no, you didn't miss anything."
"The suka went to go get them." Ela answered.
"Ela!" Meghan chastised, knowing what the word meant, "She's been nothing but nice to us since I got here, can't you lighten up on her a bit?"
"Once you're back in the room and safe from her, maybe."
Meghan rolled her eyes at her girlfriends antics, she also felt her heart flutter a bit when Ela said 'the room' indicating that they would be staying together tonight. Only then did she realize that there was an extra person in the room that she didn't notice earlier, "And who is this?"
"Oh, right." Amelie said, "Meghan, Ela, this is my cousin, Katarina."
"Hello everyone." Was all the newcomer had to say.
"Nice to meet you Katarina." Meghan greeted. She found it hard to believe that she and Amelie were related. Unlike her cousin, Katarina spoke with an American accent, had emerald green eyes, and hair so vibrantly red that it almost looked fake.
"You as well." Katarina greeted back.
Meghan quickly found one resemblance however, having a natural death stare on their face even when nothing was upsetting them must run in the family. The whole situation was strange to her, she was perfectly fine with meeting Amelie's cousin, but found it odd that she would choose to meet her in the hospital of all places.
Ela also found the redheads appearance odd, but for a different reason that she couldn't quite put her finger on.
Katerina must have picked up on this as she quickly explained why she was there. "Not that I'm unhappy for your recovery, but the only reason I'm here is because these two needed a ride."
"A ride?" Meghan looked at Lena, "What happened to your car?"
Lena faced away from the SEAL, pretending she didn't hear.
"You totaled it again didn't you?"
"It wasn't totaled…not completely this time." The British girl finally answered.
Meghan turned her attention to Amelie, "What about your car?"
"My car is what she crashed into." The French woman said, glaring at Lena.
"I didn't see it coming."
"It was parked in my driveway."
By now, Katarina had lost interest in the conversation, probably due to the fact that she had heard the couples argument already. She took a seat in the corner and pulled out a rather large pocket knife and proceeded to clean her nails with it.
"Wait a minute." Ela finally realized what was off, "How did you get in here? I only had visitors passes for these two."
"My dad is a general." She answered without looking up, "He has top secret clearance and is always traveling to different bases around the United Nations."
"And you just tag along?" Meghan asked.
"Yep, my siblings and I. Free travel with room and board, I'd be foolish not to take advantage."
"He must have a hell of a clearance level to have access to this place."
"He does, in fact, he's currently working with your boss on a certain project."
"Oh, that kind of clearance." Was Meghan's response.
"I'm back." Ashe entered the room, carrying two crutches and taking notice of the young couple, "Oh, hey guys."
"Hello luv, nice to see you again." Lena greeted.
"Nice to see you again too, and who is…this?"
Hearing Ashe's voice finally made Katarina look up from her little 'manicure', as soon as their eyes met, they both paused.
"K-Kat-uh Katarina." The redhead answered, having trouble finding her voice as she stood up, "Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too." They shook hands, "I uh, like your hair."
"Thanks."
"Is that your natural color?"
"It is actually, a lot of people don't believe so." Katarina commented as she ran her fingers through her crimson locks, "Your hair looks nice as well."
"Thanks." Ashe blushed.
"I've never seen white hair like that before."
"It's a genetic trait, it's not because I'm old." Ashe explained, immediately feeling stupid for the comment, of course she wasn't old.
"And here I thought you just looked good for your age."
Everyone else was starting to feel awkward, except for Ela who was happy that the white haired nurse had finally focused her attention on someone else.
"Um Ashe?" Meghan finally spoke up.
"Oh yeah." The two stopped their flirting to focus on the main subject for today. It was a very special moment indeed, today all of the nano bots and Meghan's physical therapy sessions would finally pay off. Not only was she due to receive a set of crutches to help her move around on her own, but she was also finally being discharged from the hospital, "Your crutches. Let's give this a try. Let me just help you up-"
"I can do that." Ela interrupted. She immediately moved in and helped her girlfriend sit upright.
"Very well." Said Ashe, "Now take these and try to stand."
Meghan took a crutch under each arm and used them to slowly lift herself off of the bed. Before everyone's eyes, she began moving around on her own accord.
Lena jumped for joy, "Cheers luv!"
Ela and Amelie smiled as it was a relief to finally see Meghan out of that bed that she had been stuck in for weeks. Ela gave her a congratulatory kiss on the cheek, "I'm happy to see you moving around again."
"How does everything feel?" Asked Ashe.
"A little stiff," Meghan answered, "but it's nice to be standing on my own two feet again, well sort of."
"Once you get moving everything should loosen up, as long as you keep up the physical exercises we went over you'll be back to walking normal in no time."
"I've been bedridden for so long, I'm worried that my physique and endurance may have suffered." Meghan said, flexing her arm and examining her bicep.
"I can definitely help you with that." Ela said, without even thinking. She immediately bushed once she saw the look everyone was giving her.
"You really are up the walls aren't you?" Meghan asked. Ela didn't bother to answer as the others laughed.
"Right." Said Ashe, "Let's go see Dr. Kateb shall we."
"So Monika, what do you think of your new operator." Emma asked. The three of them were sitting at one of the lounge tables, going over the files of the new incoming personnel.
"I'm not sure. Her record is impressive, but something just seems…off." The blonde answered.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, she graduated at the top of her class in GROM, she has an extensive combat record, and she's even married to a fellow special operations operative with a one year old child. But look here." She said pointing at a section in Zofia's file, "Refuses to talk about her fathers suicide or about her childhood with Ela."
"I didn't know Ela had a sister or that her father took his own life."
"Neither did I, she is very sensitive about her past, I doubt anyone other than perhaps Meghan knows anything about her family."
"Are you going to tell her that her sister is coming to the team?"
"I'm not sure, she has enough on her plate as is, with Meghan being in the hospital." Monika contemplated, "Maybe I'll surprise her. She's been under a lot of stress lately, maybe a family reunion would be a nice surprise."
"Sounds like a good plan."
"What about your operator?"
"She seems fairly standard for an operator, smart, tech savvy, great at thinking outside the box." Emma analyzed, "Reports of some disciplinary issues, including being the ire of a general, but nothing that seems detrimental to the team. I think she will be fine. What about you Mark?"
The quiet man simply shrugged his shoulders. He turned the file towards the two women and pointed to one particular detail.
"Place of birth redacted?" Monika read, confused.
"Why would they keep that under wraps?" Emma asked.
"I have my suspicions, but can't say for sure."
"Hey guys!" Eliza suddenly entered the lounge.
"Good morning Eliza." Emma greeted, Mark simply waved.
"Hey babe."
"Gut tag." Monika said.
"I was thinking we could try that new place down the street for lunch, what do you think?"
"I'm okay, you can go without me."
"Are you sure, want me to get you anything?"
"No thanks, I'm fine." Monika focused back on Zofia's file, no longer paying attention to her girlfriend.
"Everything okay?" Eliza was now concerned.
"Everything is perfectly fine." The blonde said in a flat tone.
"Well, okay." Eliza was not oblivious to the fact that Monika wasn't really fine, but two years of being together taught her that prying wouldn't get her anywhere. The German woman probably needed some space and would tell her what was bothering her when she was ready, "Call me if you change your mind."
"Mhm."
Eliza leaned in for a kiss, but Monika turned her head so her lips only landed on her cheek. Eliza didn't say anything about the gesture despite the hurt that was clearly visible in her eyes, she simply left to give her girlfriend some time to herself, all the while wondering what she had done wrong.
Monika immediately felt regret in her actions, it took all her willpower not to run after the redhead and give her the kiss she wanted, but she was still upset and had to stop herself.
Emma, being totally unaware of how relationships work, was ignorant of the awkwardness that just passed. Mark on the other hand, gave Monika a look of concern.
"It's complicated." Monika immediately defended.
Mark gestured towards the door that Eliza had just left.
"I know that was unnecessarily mean. I don't want to talk about it."
Mark put his hands up in defeat.
"What was unnecessary?" Emma asked. Before anyone could answer, a message popped up on her phone, "Never mind, I have to go."
"Where are you off to?"
"Julian just asked for my technical expertise on a project he's working on, some kind of neon sign. Anyway I'll see you two later."
"See you around."
Mark waved his goodbye.
Ela was fidgeting in her seat. In her hand she was twirling a pencil that she had picked up off of Gustave's desk. The gang was waiting for him to finish up the last of the paperwork that would allow Meghan to leave the hospital. They all decided to have a small celebration at the barracks when they were done.
Ela wasn't excited because of the party, she wasn't normally one for social gatherings, however she was looking forward to the 'afterparty', specifically sharing her bed with the Navy SEAL once again as they took each other around the world and back. Although she would never say that out loud.
"Let's see, everything seems to be in order." Gustave said as he finished the last of the paperwork, "Ashe, could you please file these away."
"Yes doctor." She said as she took the paperwork from her boss.
"Need any help?" Katarina asked, not waiting for an answer as she followed her out of the room. Since they met, the redheads eyes had been glued to the nurse and her assets.
"Who do you think is going to ask the other out first?" Lena asked as soon as they were out of earshot.
"My money is on Katarina, she's always strait forward when she knows what she wants." Amelie said.
"I don't know, Ashe might be a little timid, but she gets very bold when she sees someone attractive." Meghan countered.
"As long as she stays away from you, I don't care what she does." Said Ela.
"Ela for God's sake, she was never interested in me, you were the one she had the hots for the whole time."
"She…what?" Ela didn't know how to respond.
"Yes, after your initial meeting with her, she told me that she found you extremely attractive and hot."
"Even though I practically threatened her?"
"I guess she gets off on it, I don't know. For a moment I actually thought YOU might be the one that needed to be hidden from her."
"If you're done talking about my assistant, we can continue." Gustave groaned. Much like Lena was to Meghan, Gustave saw the nurse as a younger sibling. The white haired girl first came to him six years ago as an exchange student fresh out of high school, now she was one of his best apprentices. Once she completed her nursing degree, he helped her land a job here at the hospital they were currently in.
"Sorry Gustave, you were saying?" Meghan said.
"Right." He gathered several materials and began handing them to her, "Here's your prescription of pain meds, be sure to only take the recommended doses as they are addictive."
Meghan took the orange bottle not worried at all about the addictive factor, she was sure she wouldn't be needing them anyway.
"Here's the booklet with the daily leg stretching and exercise routine that Ashe tailored just for you."
Meghan took the booklet, "That was nice of her, if she's not back by the time we leave, can you thank her for me?"
"Of course." He pulled out more papers, "These are your final discharge papers, one copy is for you, the other is to be given to Six."
"About time." Meghan said, looking over the paperwork, "Thanks Gustave, is there anything else I need to know?"
Gustave took off the reading glasses he was wearing, "Well, I want to advise you to avoid all physical training, other than the program made for you. This includes training with the team and going to the gym."
"Sure." Meghan said, almost dismissively.
"I mean it." He reinforced, "I know you, you always like to push yourself against your limits. As bold as that is, pushing beyond what's recommended for you may result in you getting hurt all over again."
"Nous allons faire en sorte qu'elle ne fait pas de mal d'elle-même." Amelie said in their native tongue.
"Merci."
"What was that?" Meghan asked.
"She said that we're going to make sure you don't hurt yourself luv." Lena translated.
Amelie looked at her girlfriend, impressed, "You are learning well chérie."
"Can we go now?" Ela asked, trying not to show the restlessness in her voice.
"There is one more thing. We are still waiting on the results of the blood test, to make sure that all the nano bots are, in fact, completely out of your system." He said.
"Meaning?" Meghan asked.
"Absolutely no sexual activity for a week."
An audible snap could be heard as the pencil Ela was holding was broken into two pieces.
The room was abuzz as several high ranking officials from countries all over the world had gathered in one small room. Some were military generals, some were politicians, all had come for the same purpose.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining me." Six said, "As I'm sure you all know, we are here to discuss Team Rainbow's after action report along with the results of the following investigation. Do we have any questions or concerns before we start." No one raised their hand, "Very well. Captain Isaac."
"Thank you ma'am." Isaac stepped in front of the audience as the screen turned on next to him, "This is the official after action and findings report for Operation Blood Orchid."
Everyone gave him their full attention as the slides played on the screen as he spoke.
"On August 29th 2017, we received a tip of possible White Mask activity in a secluded jungle near Victoria Harbor. Two days later, we began observing the suspected area via satellite imagery. Initial observations revealed an unfamiliar structure along with possible activity in the area, however dense jungle overgrowth made getting a positive reading nearly impossible, plus we had no record of any buildings in the area. After some digging, we managed to get ahold of a record that was being kept secret by the Chinese government, a closed down theme park. We struck a deal with them, the buildings records in exchange for removing the threat outside of public eyes. Thus on September 17th, a two man scout team was sent into the jungle to get visual confirmation of any potential enemy activity."
Some of the officials took notes, while others seemed to take them mentally, or were just too fascinated to do so.
"After three days, not only were they able to confirm the existence of the park, but verify that it was also being used as the main base of operations by the White Masks, for several weeks, they continued to observe the enemy base. During one observation, they discovered that the White Masks were also in possession of two high explosive devices. On October 11th, Team Rainbow arrived in China, with intentions of conducting a raid on the compound on October 17th. However, on October 14th, the scout team was compromised and captured. Upon realizing what had happened, Team Rainbow was forced to not only commence the raid immediately, three days ahead of schedule, but also come up with a new plan of attack practically on the spot. The team was inserted via helicopter into the base, and after approximately twenty-seven minutes, the base was deemed secure with both scout members rescued and both bombs defused."
Some members were impressed at how fast the raid was completed, especially after the sudden change.
"The next day, the official investigation of the site began along with cleanup operations. In the end, the team had recovered over five hundred weapons including fifteen rocket propelled grenade launchers and forty-five heavy machine guns. Approximately 11.5 million dollars' worth of illegal narcotics, five stolen vehicles, and five terabytes worth of enemy intel."
"Excuse me captain." One man raised his hand.
"Yes, General Du Couteau."
"You said that this was their MAIN base of operations, does the missions success mean that the White Masks are no longer a threat?"
"Unfortunately sir, no." Isaac answered, "You see, after the raid was completed, the bodies of one hundred and eighteen enemy combatants were recovered. The scout team initially observed approximately two hundred personnel within the base. We later found an escape tunnel that we believe was used by the missing enemy combatants to flee the site before the raid started."
"And what makes you think that these few escapees still pose a bigger threat than other groups?" Another diplomat asked.
"Because we know that there is a high value individual among them."
"Well that may be," Another spoke, "but why not let another unit, or even local police deal with them if they're so small."
"Because hunting him down is Rainbow's top priority. As long as he's out there, he is still a considerable threat. The White Masks are like bacteria, as long as one lives, they will only multiply and grow."
"Why?" Asked on of the female generals, "What makes this individual so important, that the most elite unit, and expensive mind you, has to take charge in searching for him?"
Isaac hesitated to answer, he should have dropped the matter before it reached this point, but now he had no choice. He looked at Six, who simply nodded, wordlessly giving him permission, "Because he is a former member of Team Rainbow."
The room fell to a dead silence.
"You mean to tell us that we are fighting against one of you?" Du Couteau asked.
"Not an operator, but yes. Former logistics officer C.T. Peterson has been confirmed to be a high ranking member of the White Masks."
Small conversations began to brew among the small crowd. Each seeming to share their opinion on the revelation with the person to their left and right. Isaac could only sigh in defeat, he knew admitting this may have potentially cost Team Rainbow a lot politically.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Six now took the spotlight, "do we have any more questions or concerns?"
"Um, yes actually." One spoke, "you said in the beginning of this meeting that we all knew why we were here, but I'm starting to think that you don't quite get what the purpose of this meeting is."
"I'm sorry General Swain, could you elaborate?"
"This meeting wasn't just about reviewing the outcome of Blood Orchid, it was also an evaluation of you and your team." The older man explained, "You are one of the smallest military units in in NATO and yet you require the most funding and diplomatic admin work. Rainbow was reactivated nearly two years ago with the purpose and promise of defeating the new terror threat that is the White Masks, with as little personnel as possible."
Six thought back to when she made that promise two years prior. It had been hard to sell the idea, but she had eventually convinced the United Nations that the reactivation of the counter-terrorism unit wasn't just necessary, but a necessity.
"Don't get me wrong." He continued, "Your soldiers are some of the best in the world, skilled beyond what we could ever hope for, but it seems that all you are good at is leaving a trail of bodies in your wake. For two years, every investigation has yielded little to no results and although you have proven great at defusing situations that are already in progress, you have proven incompetent at predicting and preventing future incidents as they always seem to be one step ahead of you."
All Isaac could do was hold his tongue as the general criticized him and his boss. Part of him wanted to lash back, but another part knew that their was some merit to the man's harsh words.
"Until now, we could have blamed it on pure luck that they have managed to elude your grasp, but now we have the real reason, that one of your own is now among their ranks." The was a mix of anger and disappointment in his voice, "I mean, are you sure it's only one?"
"Yes sir, we have no evidence nor reason to believe anyone else from us is in there." Isaac answered.
"I'm sorry, but I am failing to see the value in having Rainbow in our arsenal."
"General, I assure you that we are doing everything we can." Six reassured, "We are still the best choice for this job."
"The United Nations seems to disagree. I present to you, Directive 87." He pulled out what looked to be an official document and began reading it, "In regards of military operations involving the eradication of the terror group known as White Masks, Team Rainbow is no longer to take charge of counter terror operations. Instead they are to be reassigned to a supporting role as the new head of operations sees fit."
"That's insane." Isaac spoke, "Who is going to be head of operations now?"
"That would be me." Swain spoke with a hint of pride.
"With all due respect General, what forces do you have that are capable of handling this operation?" Asked Six.
"The Crimson Elites." He answered with a smile, "My new special forces unit can handle taking on this project. I have more of them than you do operators, and I'm willing to bet that any one of them could give your operators a run for their money."
Their were mixed reactions in the room regarding this new change. A majority of the people seemed to agree with the implementation of a new unit was a necessary change. A small handful, including Du Couteau, were not so sure, "Excuse me General." He spoke up, "What is it exactly that makes you confident that your team is more qualified for the job?"
General Swain gave another smile, "We already know where the next attack is happening."
"You didn't have to clean everything while I was gone." Meghan said.
"I didn't want a mountain of dust waiting for you when you got back." Ela responded. She had made sure to keep Meghan's room and belongings in order while she was recovering.
Upon returning from the hospital, the team decided to have a small celebration. It avoided all the alcohol and craziness that was the norm for operators, it was more of a simple welcome back for Meghan. She even introduced Lena and Amelie to a few members of the team.
Now the two of them were in Meghan's room, ready to call it a night.
"I also kept your black eyes safely put away, and your uniform should be back from the cleaners tomorrow."
"You took my uniform to the cleaners?" Meghan asked as she came out of the bathroom, changed into her pajamas.
"I couldn't let it get wrinkly. Not when it looks so good on you." Ela explained, already laying on the bed. She wasn't even trying to hide the fact that she was checking out the SEAL, dressed in a tight tank top and shorts, very apparent that she was not wearing a bra. She herself was only wearing a loose fitting t-shirt and her underwear.
"I knew you were the best girlfriend ever." Meghan said as she took her spot in the bed next to her. She leaned over and gave her the Polish girl a kiss, "Thanks."
"No problem." Ela said. She then went in for another, deeper kiss, which Meghan returned eagerly. It was so nice to finally be back, in her own bed, next to the girl who was the center of her world. They got lost in the feeling of having the other's lips on their own, loving the contact that briefly made them feel complete. Before they knew it, the kiss slowly turned into a long make out session. They wrapped their arms around each other as Ela pulled the blonde on top of her. Things were getting pretty heated, before Ela could stop herself, she reached for the hem of Meghan's shirt.
Meghan quickly rebounded and pushed herself of the green haired girl, "Doc said…"
"Right." Ela said as she came back to earth, "Sorry."
Meghan could see the disappointment in Ela's face and offered her a smile, "Hang in there." She was fully aware of the fact that, at the moment, Ela wanted nothing more than for the two of them to make love in a manner that made up for the lost time.
"I'll try." Ela responded.
"We've managed to last this long, what's another week?" She kissed Ela again, this time on the cheek to avoid another incident. She was better at hiding it, but she was even more eager to be with the Polish girl. Seeing Ela in her panties was not helping either.
Ela could only groan in response.
"At least we're in the same bed, I missed having you next to me." Meghan said.
"I'm definitely thankful for that." Ela agreed. The two of them settled under the covers, at which point Ela wrapped both of her arms around Meghan's torso, wrapped both of her legs around her good leg, and rested her head on her chest.
"That does seem very comfortable." Meghan giggled.
"Shh. I'm listening." Ela responded.
"To what? Oh." Meghan realized that her girlfriend was listening to her heartbeat.
Ela had her ear planted right on top of Meghan's heart. She was listening to the slow rhythmic beat, which rang in her ears better than any music, remembering how close it was to never beating again.
"It's still going strong, thanks to you." Meghan said. "You saved my heart."
"In a way, you also saved mine." Ela said, keeping her head in place.
"I guess that guy did do a number on you." Meghan said, referring to the man who overpowered her during the raid.
"I'm not talking about that."
"Oh?"
"I was so lost and broken when I arrived here, and yet you didn't give up. Even when you had every right to leave me stuck where I was, not only did you help me come to terms with my demons, but you helped me make amends and move on. You showed me that I'm so much more than tool for battle, that I'm so much more than my past and that it doesn't define my future. You're the most important person I have and I almost lost you." Ela was trying not to cry as she tightened her grip on the blonde. "Thank you for being here with me, thank you for being a part of my life."
Meghan was holding back tears as well. She was now returning the embrace, the two of them holding on to each other as if they might lose one another at any moment. After a few moments, Meghan leaned down and whispered into her girlfriends ear, "I love you, Ela."
Ela finally lifted her head to look at Meghan in the eyes, not sure if she heard her properly. The look her girlfriend was giving her said that she had heard right, and that she meant it, "I love you too."
The two kissed as if to seal the sentiment between them.
"We should get some sleep." Meghan offered.
"I don't think I can, I don't want to wake up tomorrow and realize this was all a dream." Ela answered.
"This is real." Meghan reassured, "I'm here, and I always will be, I promise."
"I guess you haven't let me down yet."
Meghan giggled as she turned out the light. She then leaned down and kissed the top of Ela's head, "Goodnight, Ela."
"Goodnight, kochanie." Ela rested her head back onto Meghan's chest. Letting her heartbeat slowly lull her to sleep.
Author's note: And now we have the first 'I love you' between our two main characters. I can't believe its now been eleven chapters since they've been together. I originally had more ideas for this act, but I was honestly getting tired of Meghan being in that hospital bed, so I cut a lot of scenes out, especially with her mother. So I may do some short stories involving Maria later, let me know if you guys would be interested in reading that. Also, we have yet ANOTHER yuri couple in the works, because there's no such thing as too much yuri. Fun fact, I included Ashe x Katarina from League of Legends because of 'Wounded' by NyokaKione. Not only is it still one of my favorite fanfics to date, it was also the first fic that showed me just how amazing authors on this site can be, it's part of the reason I'm writing on here now. As always, hope you enjoyed and feel free to leave a review. Until next time.