DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own Die Hard or any of its characters. I do NOT gain any profit from this fan-fiction. It is strictly for my entertainment and anyone who enjoys reading it!
CLAIMER: I OWN my OFC Natalie Keller.
WARNING: Romance, crime, violence.
BETA READER: None, so there will be some mistakes that I miss.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Yes, I did watch Die Hard this Christmas and yes, I just had to write this. This is obviously left open for a sequel that I may or may not write. It is entirely up to my muse as she is in charge of everything.
"Will you meet me, will you meet me there
Echoes in the night
Like a melody is haunting me
But then I meet your eyes
With the fire of a rising sun
I am standing on the edge
Take me over, take me over
See how fast this life can change
Take me further, lead me further"
-Take Me Over by Red
.:oOo:.
Flights from one continent to another usually carried individuals wearing the most comfortable attires possible. No one wanted to spend fifteen hours in the air wearing anything that would prevent one from relaxing during their journey. So, it came to Hans' immediate attention when a raven-haired woman in her mid-to-late twenties entered the area for business-class passengers wearing a form fitting taupe silk pencil skirt suit set with a black lace camisole underneath and black high heels that could gauge someone's eye out.
Hans stared, and he did so without care as she reached her arms above her head to place her carry-on bag inside the over-head bin. Her toenails were a shade of rose that matched her well-manicured fingers, her legs smooth and carrying a hint of a tan to her already olive-toned hue. Hans' hazel orbs trailed up those mile-high legs, over a shapely bottom, a slim waist and up to a lovely neck. All of those raven locks were pinned in a neat twist at the back of her skull with only a few loose tresses. When she turned around and caught his gaze, Hans felt his breath catch at the stunning lilac hue of her eyes. He would have noticed her lovely curves more if he were not drawn into those lilac gems.
"Hans Gruber," He felt himself speak, introducing himself to the lovely woman standing before him.
"Natalie Keller," She answered, slipping her hand into his offered one.
Instead of shaking hands, Hans brought her hand up to his lips where he pressed a kiss to the back of her knuckles without breaking eye contact. A smile twitched at the corners of rosy lips and her eyes seemed to glow with amusement.
"I believe that is my seat," Natalie stated, pointing with her free hand to the window seat right beside him.
Hans smirked, drawing his legs closer and motioning for her to slip pass him. Quirking a brow, Natalie debated the best way to do just that. Left with only one comfortable option, the one less in your face in such a situation, Natalie opted to slide in quickly without another thought. She did not miss the widening of the handsome man's smirk as he practically got an eye-full of her backside…seeing as he refused to stand up and allow her easier access to her seat.
"If I may be so bold to ask, what has you travelling all the way to Los Angeles; business or pleasure?" Hans inquired lightly, securing his seatbelt when the flight attendants instructed everyone to do so.
Natalie took a moment to stow her handbag beneath her seat before answering.
"Obligation," Natalie replied instead and Hans' eyebrow rose in interest. "My elder sister wishes me to visit her and the children during Christmas."
"And you do not want to spend time with your family?" Hans questioned, feeling his curiosity swirl.
Natalie smiled, glancing out of her window as the plane began its ascent.
"I would love to spend time with my family…as long as they refrain from fighting with one another," Natalie stated truthfully.
Hans nodded, understanding the sentiment, thinking of his estranged older brother.
"What about yourself?" Natalie asked, reiterating when Hans' brows furrowed. "Business or pleasure?"
Hans' gaze slowly traced her face, his smile forming a grin.
"Why not both?"
She found herself laughing softly and shaking her head at his answer. Their conversation waned for a few moments as the plane leveled out in the air. Taking a recorder out of her purse, she fiddled with the new earbuds she bought prior to boarding the plane. Securing them in her ears, she clicked the recorder on and closed her eyes to the sounds of classical violin music. Lilac orbs peered through thick lashes as one of her earbuds was removed and she turned her head slightly to watch Hans secure it in his own ear. She stared at him as his shoulders seemed to lose the tension keeping him poised, his hazel orbs becoming hidden as he closed his eyes.
Taking in his steadily relaxing form, Natalie felt some form of relief not being the only one dressed in business clothes. Hans was clad in a navy-blue suit with a charcoal gray turtleneck and brown leather loafers. Her eyes caught sight of his gold Cartier Tank watch with a black leather strap when Hans brought his arm up to rest his elbow on his seat arm and his chin on his hand. His pointer finger brushed over his lips, tapping lightly to the violin's quick melody.
"This song…," Hans murmured, finally opening his eyes to look at her.
She stared back unflinchingly, her brow raising in a silent inquiry.
"I've not heard it before," Hans admitted and he considered himself to be well-versed with classical music, considering the education his parents put him through.
Natalie licked her bottom lip, contemplating on telling him. His hazel orbs flickered down to her mouth, and then came back to rest on her gaze.
"It's mine," She admitted softly, having grown a little nervous as to the man's thoughts on her first original piece.
She watched closely as Hans swallowed.
"Herrlich," Hans breathed in a whisper of German and Natalie's cheeks grew warm, her rosy lips stretching into a pleased smile.
"Danke schön," She whispered back her gratitude in the same language.
He returned her smile. The melody really was magnificent.
.:oOo:.
The flight from Berlin to London held a two hours layover before their next flight was to take them to Los Angeles…well, it was supposed to be a two hours layover. Inclement weather saw to a delay in all flights going out of and coming into London's Heathrow airport. Natalie stood at one of the airports floor-to-ceiling windows staring out at the heavy snowfall. She should have been irritated at her plans being delayed, but all she could feel was a sense of calm. She really did despise it when her half-sister and brother-in-law got into arguments. It was one of the reasons why she applied for a work-visa in Germany. She never regrets her decision on moving thousands of miles away and she believes that she never will.
Already she was wanting to go back to her quaint one-bedroom apartment. Someone stepped up beside her and Natalie looked at Hans' reflection, watching him watch her. Standing in high heels, the crown of her head reached his chin. His hands were tucked into the pockets of his slacks and the heavy charcoal trench coat emitted warmth, something her own black peacoat seemed to lack in that moment. She silently cursed the last-minute plans of having to fly out as soon as she got off work, placing blame where it should not go. She exhaled slowly, opting to just stand there in silence.
"They say our flight is delayed for another four hours at the very least," Hans told her, his deep voice unwavering along with his gaze on her. "This does not seem to bother you."
She tilted her head, a smile curving her lips. It was not mocking, only honest.
"Would you like to join me for dinner? That is, if you are not opposed to steak and lobster as the main course?" Hans asked her. "I find your company soothing."
Turning to him completely, she slid her arm through his offered one.
"Very well," Natalie voiced, before a smirk graced her lips and Hans had to keep himself from missing a step. "You had me at dinner."
His chuckle vibrated her very being as his warm hand engulfed her smaller one that was tucked in at his elbow. Together they walked to the fine-dining restaurant the airport contained and were seated quickly underneath comforting dim lighting. Their meals were eaten with light conversation that slowly grew in detail between shared bites of dessert. By the time they were leaving the restaurant, Natalie was giggling at the words Hans was whispering into her ear and a light flush dusted her cheeks not only from the drinks she had ordered.
"Where were you before today," Natalie voiced rhetorically, wishing she had met Hans earlier in Berlin and not on a plane ride to the States.
Hans murmured something against her brow, his arm circling her waist as they continued on to their gate entrance. There was still another hour and a half before their plane was set to start boarding passengers, but they decided to go ahead and find a place to settle down together for the wait. Natalie tilted her head, intending on asking Hans what he had said. Their lips brushed and the arm around her waist tightened, pulling her closer against a surprisingly muscular form.
She rested the palms of her hands against his toned chest as he dipped his head, sealing their lips in an almost sensual kiss that had her breath catch. When the kiss ended, Natalie opened her eyes…somehow losing track of when exactly she had closed them. Lilac met darkening hazel. Hans fingers that were buried in her thick raven locks caressed the back of her head, having gotten lost in her hair sometime during their shared moment.
"When we are back in Germany, I plan to see you," Hans told her, the seriousness of his tone and expression leaving no room for her to doubt his words.
"You better," Natalie ordered softly, her voice a breathy whisper against his lips.
He leaned in and caught her rosy lips in another kiss.
.:oOo:.
"You look like a princess."
Glancing over her shoulder, Natalie smiled at her giggling niece as she slipped on her silver teardrop diamond earrings. She then smoothed her hands down her emerald green evening gown that had a halter-style high-neck with lace accents on the top half. The material followed the shape of her body before flowing out pass her calves to brush the floor. Her hair was styled in another updo, this one with a single braid wrapping around the crown of her head with loose tresses framing her face. Her eyes were smoky and her lips a deep burgundy.
"I do?" Natalie cooed at the three-year-old, her lilac orbs glowing in amusement as Lucy nodded exaggeratedly.
"Yes!" Lucy cried out with a large smile, clapping the bottoms of Natalie's shoes for the night together.
They were another pair of black high heels, these closed toed and with ankle straps. Natalie gathered some of her dress in hand before holding out her left foot to her giggling niece.
"Well, as your princess, I order you to assist me with my shoes," Natalie teased, earning another round of laughter from the three-year-old.
Lucy did attempt to put Natalie's heel on, but her small fingers could only fumble with the strap. Sitting down on the stool in front of the vanity, Natalie finished securing her heels.
"Aunty Natie, your pretty bracelet?" Lucy asked, reaching for the diamond encrusted bracelet.
It was a delicately thin piece of jewelry that she had received years ago upon her collage graduation, but a treasured piece nonetheless. Her father had gifted it to her shortly before his death. Natalie picked up the bracelet and secured it on her wrist before cupping her niece's face in her hands, squeezing those plump cheeks.
"Aunt Natalie loves you very much, Lu-Lu. Now, go find your little brother and kiss him on the forehead for me. I have to go meet your mother," Natalie said, placing her own kiss to the girl's brow and leaving a perfect press of lipstick that she grinned at.
Lucy rushed from the room, giggles sounding as Natalie followed at a much slower pace. Finding Paulina in the kitchen preparing dinner for herself and the children, Natalie said her good-byes before stepping out of the house where a limousine waited to take her to Nakatomi Plaza.
.:oOo:.
"Hello gorgeous," Someone breathed against Natalie's ear while slipping an arm around her waist no sooner than she stepped out of the elevator on the thirtieth floor of Nakatomi Plaza.
She twisted out of the stranger's arms, her lips twisting in disgust at the smirking brunette. He lifted a hand, running his fingers through his hair with an arrogant flare.
"I've never seen you before. Are you here with someone, sweetheart?"
"Natalie? Oh, you're here," Holly, her half-sister called out, quickly making her way over from her office.
"Holly," Natalie greeted, returning Holly's hug. "Who is the creek?"
Her question was whispered to her sister, who gave an exasperated laugh.
"Harry, meet my sister Natalie. Natalie, this is Harry Ellis, he works in the international sector," Holly stated, introducing them to one another.
Harry, still grinning widely, let his eyes roam up and down Natalie's figure. Unimpressed, the two women turned and walked into Holly's office.
"Holly, seriously? That man isn't even trying to hide the fact that he uses drugs. Did you not see the white powder on his nose?" Natalie questioned as she shut the door for some semblance of privacy.
Holly sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"It's a well-known secret, Natalie. What would you have me do?" Holly inquired, slumping down on her office chair.
Natalie's brow rose, her hands resting on her hips before switching to crossing her arms under her breast.
"Absolutely nothing. It's not like I have to work with the man," Natalie stated, given an exaggerated eye-roll that had Holly laugh.
Natalie smiled, before walking over to her sister's desk and perching on the edge. Setting her purse down beside her, she picked up a gold envelope opening and traced the tip over the face of a document.
"Why are you working anyways? You've invited me to this thing, the least you could do is go out there and have a drink with me," Natalie voiced, her lilac orbs locked onto her sister's tired gaze.
"I—."
The door to Holly's office opening cut her off from answering, both turning their attention to the new arrivals.
"John," Holly started, standing up as her husband walked in with her boss. "Mr. Takagi."
John smiled at his wife, the motion becoming strained when he turned to face Natalie.
"Natalie," John greeted.
"John," Natalie returned in the same tempered tone.
"Still climbing the ranks in Germany?" John inquired sarcastically enough that Natalie narrowed her gaze while Holly tried to deter the situation from spinning out of control.
"Now, now, let's have a happy Christmas," Holly coaxed, gently shoving her husband towards the door.
Mr. Takagi frowned at John's words, watching as Holly showed her husband to a bathroom to clean up. He turned to Natalie, who straightened up from Holly's desk. She met him halfway with a handshake.
"I apologize for that. No man should speak to a woman in such a way," Mr. Takagi voiced, seeming to be honestly bothered by John's words.
Natalie smiled.
"Please, don't worry about it, Mr. Takagi. My brother-in-law has always been a hot-head. I'm Natalie Keller, Holly's sister. It's nice to finally meet you," Natalie stated, her smile remaining.
Mr. Takagi motioned with his free hand towards the doorway.
"Could I offer you a drink of punch, champagne, or some watered down bourbon, Ms. Keller?" Mr. Takagi asked with a smile of his own.
Accepting his offer, she allowed herself to be led out of the office and into the main area where the party was commencing. Taking a flute of champagne in hand, she brought the glass to her lips and took a sip. She held back a wince at how bitter and cheap the champagne tasted, but force her smile to stay in place. Spotting Harry making his way over through the crowd, she turned to Mr. Takagi.
"Would you mind terribly if I walked around? I'm in need of some fresh air," Natalie asked and understanding reflected in Mr. Takagi's eyes.
Muffling a chuckle in his own drink, he showed her to the elevator and pressed the button leading to the thirty-fourth floor.
"There is a balcony with a wonderful view of the city. Take as much time as you want," Mr. Takashi told her, not joining her in the elevator.
Grateful, she nodded and let the elevator doors slide shut. Within moments she was stepping into a conference area where miniature architecture models filled the room. Spotting the balcony, she crossed the distance and was greeted by the warm Los Angeles air.
.:oOo:.
Hans studied Mr. Takagi as they road the elevator up to the thirty-fourth floor. He had openly admired the business man's suit, expressing the truth in owning two similar. It was the look of worry on Mr. Takagi's face, not for himself, but for someone else that Hans was focused on. Just as the elevator doors opened and he stepped out with Mr. Takagi, he grabbed the man's elbow before he could stride further into the room.
"What are you not saying, Mr. Takagi?" Hans inquired softly, his tone threatening as his hazel orbs glared into stubborn browns.
Mr. Takagi swallowed, glancing over Hans' shoulders without meaning to and Hans immediately shoved Mr. Takagi over to Karl and Tony, before turning around in the direction the man had glanced at. Hans spotted emerald green first, his long legs making quick work of the distance to the balcony. Opening the glass doors, he opened his mouth to speak only to clamp his lips shut in surprise when the raven-haired woman turned around to face him.
"Hans?"
"Natalie…," Hans murmured, unsure if he was more shocked at the stunning vision she made or the fact that she was even in this very building. "What are you doing here?"
She smiled and Hans stepped closer to her. Natalie met him halfway, reaching out to grip his forearms lightly as she smiled happily at the sight of him.
"If I'd known you would be coming to this event, I would have saved us both the trouble and insisted we spent our time elsewhere," Natalie teased, honestly pleased at Hans being here. "Joking aside, I'm here, because Holly insisted."
Hans' brows furrowed and he could feel a headache coming on. Of course…how could he not have put the pieces together? Natalie spoke of her half-sister, Holly Gennaro. What would be the chances? He reached up and caressed the side of her face, his thumb brushing just under her painted lips.
"You're a welcome sight," Hans said, moving his other arm around her waist to hold her close.
She moved her hands up to his shoulders, before looping her arms around his neck.
"Are you here to take care of that business meeting you mentioned?" Natalie asked absently, just taking in the moment and breathing in the comforting scent of peppermint and eucalyptus.
Hans chuckled, hearing his men moving around behind him as they shuffled Mr. Takagi into the next room and out of sight. His hand moved down to rest against Natalie's lower back, just shy of her shapely bottom. Her lips quirked and a slim brow rose at his actions as she was pulled even closer.
"Any closer and we'll merge," Natalie sighed with a smile, able to feel every hard plan of Hans' body against her.
"Mm, such a wonderful notion," Hans stated before slanting his mouth over hers in a hungry kiss.
A moan slipped through painted lips, only to be swallowed by Hans' growl. His tongue swiped over hers, mapping out the moist plans of her mouth and practically consuming her very being. Threading her fingers through short brunette locks, she tugged lightly and Hans rolled his hips against her heat. Natalie broke the kiss, her head falling back and he wasted no time in sampling that offered neck.
"Hans…," Natalie sighed, pressing herself closer against him.
Oh, how he wanted to take her up against the balcony railing this very moment. To just rip the silky fabric away and bare all of her to him. If not for his plans and the men waiting on him, Hans would have done just that. Instead, he slowed his exploration of Natalie's throat down. Pressing a much gentler kiss to her lips, Hans pulled away. His hands lingered on her hips, slowly trailing upwards and brushing the sides of her breasts before gliding over her shoulders and then down her arms where he laced his fingers with hers.
"Natalie, Schatz, would you do me a favor?" Hans asked, coming to a decision he would never make lightly.
"What favor?" Natalie inquired, not out-right agreeing and that made Hans smirk.
"Slip away and meet me in a few hours with your things," Hans told her, keeping his back to the room.
Natalie pursed her lips, but did not move away from him.
"Are you suggesting we go back to Berlin tomorrow?" She asked, a little confused, but a lot more curious than anything else.
Hans licked his bottom lip, unconsciously tasting her on his lips. It made him want to kiss her again and keep kissing her. That was dangerous. He needed her to leave before he did anything else unplanned. While his men kept Mr. Takagi silent and out of sight, Hans drew Natalie back inside and slowly walked her to the elevator.
"Berlin, Paris, Hong Kong…anywhere you would like to go, I'll take you."
Natalie paused from stepping onto the elevator at Hans' statement, her lilac orbs growing slightly in disbelief.
"Hans, travelling outside of the country is not until the third date," Natalie voiced in such a serious manner that Hans' finger froze on the ground floor button.
Her lips twitched upwards.
"But it seems as though we have already crossed that threshold. Very well. I will slip away from this…party, but I expect your call a few hours from now," Natalie told him, grabbing him by his crimson tie and tugging him close enough for her to cover his mouth with hers. "Don't keep me waiting for too long."
She then nudged Hans backwards, smirking at him as the elevator doors shut. Her eyes flickered down and back up, her smirk growing more seductive at the noticeable bulge. Hans cleared his throat and fixed his tie, before using great effort to will his erection away. Once that was taken care of, he joined his men in the private conference room where Theo awaited Mr. Takagi's password.
.:oOo:.
As the elevator doors shut, Natalie remembered her purse she had left of Holly's desk and quicky pressed the button for the thirtieth floor. She would swing by, grab her purse and say a quick good-bye to Holly before returning to Holly's place to pack her things. Her thoughts went to Hans and she smiled as the elevator dinged and opened to expose utter chaos. Before she could think to stay on the elevator or step out, someone wielding a large gun jumped at her. His free hand grabbed her by the arm tight enough to make her cry out, catching everyone else's attention.
"Natalie!" Holly screamed, trying to break free of the group, but another gunman stopped her.
Unable to stop him, Natalie was jerked out of the elevator and practically thrown into the group of Nakatomi employees. A pair of arms caught her, the man's hands taking the opportunity to cop a feel. Natalie jerked away from him and turned around to see a meekly grinning Harry. Drawing her arm back, she punched him right in the nose. Harry cried out, covering his face with his hands and pulling them away seeing blood.
"You bitch!" Harry shouted, only to have a gun shoved in his face from the same man that had dragged Natalie out of the elevator.
She could feel the bruise beginning to set in on her arm, frowning as her thoughts went back to Hans who only a few floors above them. She bit her bottom lip as Holly came to her, grabbing her hand.
"Natalie, I thought you had left," Holly whispered, fearful eyes glancing around the room at all of the armed gunmen.
"Why, because of your husband?" Natalie snapped, her anger at the situation and concern for Hans making her strike out at the first person nearest who just happened to be Holly. "No…I was getting some air."
Holly let Natalie's hand go, frowning deeply.
"John's not here. I think he went to get help," Holly whispered, keeping an eye out for anyone that might overhear.
Natalie scoffed.
"John McClane going for help? Highly doubtful. He's probably on some self-imposed mission to save us all," Natalie muttered under her breath.
Holly's glare indicated that Natalie did not speak as quietly as she thought, but she did not take back her words, only raised a brow in response. Holly was about to say something, probably something Natalie would no doubt wish to ignore, when the elevator doors dinged open again and out stepped a few more gunmen. Natalie was unable to see exactly, having been standing with Holly behind a few others.
"I wanted this to be professional, efficient, adult, cooperative. Not a lot to ask. Alas, your Mr. Takagi did not see it that way…so he won't be joining us for the rest of his life," A very familiar voice spoke up and Natalie felt herself tense up in dazed incredulity. "We can go any way you want it. You can walk out of here or be carried out. But have no illusions. We are in charge. So, decide now, each of you. And please remember: we have left nothing to chance." [1]
Lilac orbs met hazel and in that split second, Natalie knew that Hans meant for her not to be there. She could not find it in herself of be angry at him, having a hard time connecting the man she knew with the man he was currently portraying himself to be.
.:oOo:.
Stepping inside one of the offices, Hans ordered one of his men to close the blinds before kicking the office chair across the room. He would have done more, like shout curse words in all manner of languages and flip the desk, but he did not need the hostages thinking they could make a move against him. Fixing his tie, he turned to Karl.
"The raven-haired woman in the emerald dress, bring her to me," Hans ordered, stopping Karl when the blonde moved to leave the office. "Do not hurt her."
The words were clipped and promised vengeance if his orders were not followed. Moments later he could hear another woman protesting before Karl stormed back into the office with Natalie.
"Leave us," Hans barked, waiting for Karl to leave and shut the door behind him.
Hans exhaled heavily, tucking his hands into the pockets of his slacks before changing his mind.
"You were supposed to leave, Natalie. Why are you still here?" Hans inquired, his lips pressed thin as he waited for an answer.
"I needed to get my purse from Holly's office," Natalie admitted calmly, not moving from where she stood.
"Freilich," Hans murmured under his breath, before closing the distance between them. "Know that I never wanted you to see this side of me."
Natalie leaned back, staring him in the eyes. She saw only honesty there.
"Is this a one-off or a career?" Natalie asked quietly, her fingers clutching tightly to the front of her dress.
Hans took her hands, loosening her grip on her dress in order to bring her hands up to his chest.
"I am a thief, Natalie, an exceptional one. It is who I am," Hans voiced openly to her. "But everything prior to this moment is also who I am."
"You…," Natalie trailed off, leaning forward and resting her head against Hans' shoulder. "You have put me in a very difficult spot, Mr. Gruber."
Hans brought his arms around her, holding her to him.
"I won't ask," Natalie whispered, clutching the front of his suit jacket.
"Why?" Hans questioned.
Natalie leaned back a little, just enough to meet his eyes.
"Would you tell me if I did?"
Instead of answering, Hans drew her into a kiss.
.:oOo:.
Fire engulfed the area and debris fell all around what was left of the thirtieth floor of the Nakatomi building. Near the makeshift stage, Natalie lay on her side, having been thrown there by the unexpected blast. A groan of pain escaped parted lips and she coughed as smoke began to fill the room.
"Natalie!" Holly gasped, using a nearby wall to climb to her feet.
Hans and Eddie came stumbling out of the stairwell, duffle bags packed full of the negotiable bearer bonds he had come for. Unable to see Natalie, Hans ordered Eddie to grab Holly before she could escape, needing the extra insurance in case John McClane somehow survived the blast.
"Let go of me!" Holly screamed as Eddie shoved the woman over to Hans just as John shuffled into view with his hands up.
Hans cast another quick glance around the room, searching for Natalie. He spotted her crumpled form by the stage and wanted nothing more than to go to her to see if she was alright. The threat of John McClane put a halt to that and he pressed the barrel of his gun to his wife's head.
"…moving up to kidnapping, you should be more polite."[2]
Hans' words were barely heard by Natalie, her ears ringing from the blast. Her head was throbbing and there was a pinching pain on her left side. Blinking, she took a shaky breath only to start coughing again. She winced as the action aggravated the pinched feeling. Looking around, Natalie found the others just as her brother-in-law pulled a gun from his back and shot one man in the head before shooting Hans. She watched with wide eyes as Hans stumbled backwards, crashing through the window and falling, pulling Holly with him.
Someone screamed with Holly, Natalie only realizing it was her as she struggled up and over to where John was hanging out of the window trying to help Holly not fall completely out with Hans. Pushing her way out beside John, Natalie reached out and snagged Hans by his wrist just as John unlatched Holly's watch. Natalie cried out in pain, the window's edge digging into her stomach as Hans' weight threatened to pull her right out the window with him. His wide eyes locked onto her bleary ones, tears spilling and dripping down onto his face.
"Natalie, what are you doing?!" John shouted, fumbling for the raven along with Holly, the two trying to prevent her from joining Hans on the pavement below.
"I go-got you," Natalie struggled to speak, her hand not letting Hans go.
The gun in Hans other hand was released and he reached up to grabbed hold of Natalie's other hand. A gun cocked near her ear and Natalie shook her head.
"NO, DON'T SHOOT HIM!" She screamed, clutching her eyes shut and holding on for dear life.
"You're crazy!" John shouted back and the next thing she knew, the gun was gone and John was helping her pull Hans back up. "I'm only helping, because he is going to face his crimes."
Natalie pulled with all of her strength, wrapping her arms around Hans when he was close enough to do so. When Hans was inside the window, she fell backwards with Hans crashing down beside her. She gasped in pain, her stomach pulsing with it, but she focused on Hans out sound of pain.
"You're bleeding," Natalie voiced shakily, searching around for something to press against Hans' bleeding wound.
Finding nothing, she grabbed the hem of her dress and ripped the fabric until she had a decent amount to press against the wound. She ignored John and Holly, the two watching her in disbelief as she tried to help Hans. Pain-filled hazel orbs stared up at her, locking onto lilacs when Natalie checked to make sure he was still awake. Hans reached up with a bloody hand, caressing the side of her face. A sob escaped her and Natalie bit her bottom lip to keep other sounds at bay.
"You know him," John muttered angrily, his tone accusing.
Natalie looked up, meeting John's hardened gaze. He was covered in bloody cuts and bruises, Holly looking a little worse for wear as well with soot form the explosion. Natalie shuffled closer to Hans, making sure to keep pressure on the wound.
"You're perfect for each other," John hissed, his fists clenched at his sides.
"John!" Holly cried out, grabbing his arm as she was unsure of what he would do in that moment.
John turned on his heels, grabbing Holly and forcing her out of the room towards the stairwell, saying something about sending up the police with a medical crew to make sure the bastard lived to serve a life sentence. When they had gone, Natalie helped Hans sit up.
"We have to go," Natalie voiced hurriedly, standing up.
Having difficulty, she made a sound of frustration before yanking off her heels. Finally steady on her feet, she helped Hans to his.
"You should go," Hans breathed, pain in his words.
"I am going," Natalie huffed, tossing one of Hans' arms over her shoulders and wrapping her other arm around his waist. "And you're coming with me."
Hans held the cloth to his wound with his free hand, glancing down at Natalie's determined face as they moved as quickly as they could to the stairwell. Instead of leaving through the ground floor, they kept going until they reached the parking deck level. Another loud explosion sounded, shaking the building's very foundations.
"Hurry," Hans urged the woman he has come to care so deeply for, practically dragging her down towards the parking deck entrance leading to the rear of the building.
All of the attention would be focused at the front of the building where John and the hostages were no doubt spilling out of for all to see. Holding onto one another, they managed to get a block away from the chaos before they had to stop to rest. Hans took that moment to simply breathe, nuzzling his face against the crown of Natalie's head.
"How is your Dutch?" Hans inquired softly, his deep timber tired.
"Vrij goed," Natalie answered in Dutch and Hans chuckled.
.:oOo:.
[1] Quote from Die Hard when Hans is addressing the hostages.
[2] Part of a quote from Die Hard when Hans is speaking to Holly.
Herrlich – magnificent
Danke schön – thank you
Schatz - darling
Vrij goed – not bad, passable